Rafael Nadal strikes back in first match since Australian Open

Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal is back in action. He plays his first match since his runner-up finish at the 2019 Australian Open.

Rafael Nadal enters the 2019 Mexican Open as the tournament’s top seed in men’s singles. He plays his first match since finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. There, Djokovic won his third consecutive Grand Slam singles title. Despite Nadal’s best efforts, Nole solidified his place atop the sport.

Now though, Nadal is back and ready to compete. In his first match since Melbourne Park, Rafa took on German tennis veteran Mischa Zverev in Acapulco.

Nadal is a two-time champion at the Mexican Open, winning in both 2005 and then again in 2013. The Spanish superstar also finished runner-up more recently in 2017. He knows Acapulco and, as the top seed this year, ought to be considered a favorite.

During his opener in Acapulco, Nadal found Zverev putting up a challenge at the start of the second set. It is the Spanish great, however, who emerges on top. Nadal defeats Zverev in straight sets, winning 6-3, 6-3.

Other players to watch at the Mexican Open include the likes of American John Isner and Argentine Diego Schwartzman. Both players win their openers in Acapulco. As for Nadal, he looks to capitalize on his opening round win and carry that momentum into his next match. A healthy and surging Rafa could be unstoppable this week.

Nadal didn’t drop a set at the Australian Open until his finals meeting with Djokovic. He wins his opener in Acapulco in straight sets. There’s no Djokovic around in Acapulco so it’ll be up to the field to upset the top seeded Nadal.

Stay tuned to see how Rafael Nadal fares throughout the rest of the 2019 Mexican Open. The Spanish superstar ought to be considered a heavy favorite moving forward.