(AFP) – World number two Rafael Nadal captured his first ATP Tour title of 2020, easily defeating unseeded Taylor Fritz in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2, in the final of the Mexico Open on Saturday. He didn’t drop a set all week and improved to 19-2 all-time at this event.
He nabbed his third Mexico Open title to go with victories in 2013 and 2005.
“I couldn’t be happier. I played a great event from the beginning to the end,” Rafa said. “Acapulco was the first big title that I won in my career, so to be able to stay here after 15 years is amazing. I can’t thank enough the people who make me feel at home every single time.”
Rafa wasted no time figuring out Fritz’s game in the first career meeting between the two. The 19-time Grand Slam winner made eight unforced errors and needed just one ace but it came in the final game of the second set to get to championship point.
Rafa closed it out with a blistering serve that handcuffed Fritz and gave Rafa his 85th career title.
Rafa won the final eight points to take the first set. He seized control by breaking Fritz’s serve in the ninth game to go up 5-4. He then served for the set, winning four straight points. On set point he hammered a serve which Fritz barely got back. That set up an overhead smash for Rafa which he put away nicely. Rafa broke Fritz twice in the second set, including the fifth game to go up 3-2. He broke Fritz again to take a 5-4 lead and then served out the match.
Rafa has now won a title 17 consecutive years.
Source: AFP
The cancellation of Indian Wells will mean that all players will drop their points gained at last year’s tournament. Rafa will drop 360, as he reached the semi-final last year, whereas Novak will only lose 45 points because he was knocked out in the round of 32. This will widen the gap between the two. At least Novak will not have the chance to secure the title and add a further 955 points to his tally.
Roger is the least affected as he was going to miss the tournament anyway through injury. Dominic Thiem will drop 1000 points, which is the most, as he won the title last year. The top ten positions will remain unchanged.
Lorna, is that what the ATP announced? I hope it’s not true because it’s beyond players’ control. That would be unfair I would think.
Margo, I read this in an article by Essentially Sports. The ATP hasn’t confirmed that points from last year’s IW will drop off, so I suppose it’s wise to hear it from the horse’s mouth. However, there will be players who will be disadvantaged and some who will benefit depending on whether the points are retained or lost.
I’ve been asking myself whether it was absolutely necessary to cancel the whole tournament because of one known virus case and I’m wondering if organisers have used a sledge hammer to crack a nut (just a thought guys).
Amidst all of this, Steve Johnson has just won the challenger tournament in IW.
Hi Lorna,
In response to your previous comment I don’t believe IW had a choice but to cancel. Both Riverside County where they are and the State of California have declared emergencies. The CDC was also consulted. It has to be remembered that most attendees at this event have traditionally been elderly people who are the most vulnerable. I believe they made a wise decision.
Having said that I already miss tennis terribly. Will have to start watching old matches on youtube to get my fix.
Thanks for shedding more light on the issue RR. I’m sure many people, like me, are not in possession of the full facts surrounding the cancellation and will have questioned the decision of IW. Your explanation has provided some clarification.
RR, thanks for the additional information. I had no idea about the age bracket of most attendees at this event.
I guess tournament directors will have to go day-by-day for following tournaments.
Be well all.
Sad news that Indian Wells is cancelled due to a confirmed case of coronavirus and we can only wait and see what further information comes out of this. Indian Wells is one of my favourite tournaments to watch, so I’m really disappointed that it won’t be going ahead. I sympathise with the players, as they have trained hard in preparation for the event, and fans hoping to attend, but of course health and safety is paramount. This could have a catastrophic domino effect on the tour.
Jamie Murray tweeted “Doesn’t bode well for the tour if IW tour cancelled for one confirmed case in Coachella Valley. Broward County (Miami Open home) has more confirmed cases. Monte Carlo borders northern Italy currently in lockdown. Rome Masters? French Open? Wimbledon?!!!” The list goes on. Meanwhile, Rafa has urged everyone to stay well and safe.
Lorna, I don’t think they canceled the tournament just because of one confirmed case. I could be wrong of course.
To date there are still so many unanswered questions regarding community spread, when an individual becomes contagious, definitive incubation period, and how it spreads. This is a new virus so epidemiologists are being guided by how SARS and MERS spread. It is also possible that ticket holders were trying to find out if they could get a refund, or that the ATP wanted to avoid lawsuits. So many variables are possible for the cancellation.
I just hope the US can contain it but every day we have more confirmed cases. I can’t imagine what the Italians are going through.
I think starting the tournament and then having to cancel remaining matches would be worse for players.
Here’s wishing everyone everywhere stays well.
I hear you Margo. It’s a difficult conundrum.
According to the NYTimes, Indian Wells has been canceled however, tournament director Tommy Haas said, “We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options.”
An unidentified individual at the tournament has contacted COVID-19.
Correction: contracted not contacted
Indian Wells has been cancelled due to a diagnosis today of the coronavirus…
They announced…
“As a result, the 2020 BNP Paribas Open will not take place at this time due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus and the safety of the participants and attendees at the event,” organizers said in a statement. “This is following the guidance of medical professionals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and State of California.”
I was there last year and found it to be one of the most phenomenal venues for tennis in
the U.S. It is a sad day but we all know everyone needs to be vigilant and careful…
Hopefully we will get this under control sooner than later…
It would be nice if Miami doesn’t wait until the last minute to cancel so that the players can head home. As it stands they are in limbo although they are allowed to remain on site to continue practising. There is currently talk of Indian Wells and Miami being rescheduled to the Fall to replace the Asian swing.
Hi Margo,
My comment on Rafa being healthy was meant to suggest that he would probably be able to fight off the virus if he contracted it more so than older people with underlying conditions.
Will be interesting to watch Rafa & Friends Tuesday night to see if these protocols will be adhered to for this exhibition.
In the photos from IW that we’ve seen so far players are still shaking hands and high fiving. There’s a glaring omission from the ATP directive regarding this issue. Old habits are hard to break but I’m hopeful that dear Rafa keeps all of this top of mind.
Hi RR, yes, sorry if my response was ambiguous. I agree with you about Rafa being healthy and a great candidate to fight off the virus if he were to contract it. I was more concerned about his older and younger relatives even though reports are out that children seem to fight it better than older adults.
Time will tell if all these protocols help people evade this nasty bug IF people adhere to them because the US is behind in the testing process.
Hi RR,
So disappointed IW cancelled but safety is #1 priority……
Do you know if Rafa and Friends will happen as scheduled?
Coronavirus has become a global matter, hope it will be under control soon🤞
Rafa and Friends has also been cancelled Mimi. Was able to watch it live last year and it was a really fun event for some worthy charities. All of this is just so unfortunate on so many levels but uppermost is the human health situation.
With the Rome Open only 2 months away and Monte Carlo being so close to Italy you have to wonder whether those will be scrubbed. News today sadly indicating that the virus is spreading rapidly in Spain. Praying for the Nadal family and everyone to be safe and well.
Thanks RR🙏 I am disappointed but it is understandable for the decision.
I watched it on TV last year and enjoyed it even though Rafa lost but happy Milos won.
Many unknowns due to the Coronavirus……the best to Rafa and his family and all of us❤️ Take care everyone!
Here is the statement put out by the Indian Wells tournament ….
More than 250 hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the facility
Players will be required to manage their own towels on the court and ball kids will not touch or move player towels. A chair will be placed at the back of the court for them to place their towel on for usage during the match.
Ball kids will wear gloves
Restaurant and food supply workers will wear gloves
Volunteers taking tickets at entrances will wear gloves
N95 masks are being secured for first aid and health personnel to be prepared for any circumstances that would necessitate the use thereof
Organized player and fan interaction will be limited at the tournament
All common areas throughout the facility will be cleaned daily with an antiviral application
Coordinating with local hospital and CDC approved testing for all individuals with symptoms
(The above statements were released by the tournament on March 6, 2020)
In the near future, some changes might be incorporated into their safety measures to ensure the protection of everyone at Tennis Paradise. The main draw events of Indian Wells 2020 will start on March 12.
Most importantly, as everyone is advised to avoid crowded places and stay indoors. The tennis fans who have purchased their tickets for BNP Paribas Open may request a refund for this year’s tournament. Or a credit for the 2021 tournament.
Hi Margo. Thanks for the info on the WTA and ATP precautonary measures. It’s reassuring to know that the organisations are making every effort to prevent, or at least minimise, the transmission of this virus.
Looking forward to seeing how Rafa fares in the IW draw on Tuesday.
You’re welcome Lorna. I agree..
Re your earlier comment about towels, I have always felt the used towels were unsanitary. I have even seen players spit in them then hand them to the children. Same thing when I saw sweaty shirts and headbands being tossed into the fan bleachers; fans only too eager to catch them. YIKES