Lob and Smash
Fansided

Acapulco Predictions: Rafael Nadal versus Nick Kyrgios

By Harry Floyd

ACAPULCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 26: Nick Kyrgios of Australia serves during the match against Andreas Seppi of Italy as part of the day 2 of the Telcel Mexican Open 2019 at Mextenis Stadium on February 26, 2019 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
ACAPULCO, MEXICO - FEBRUARY 26: Nick Kyrgios of Australia serves during the match against Andreas Seppi of Italy as part of the day 2 of the Telcel Mexican Open 2019 at Mextenis Stadium on February 26, 2019 in Acapulco, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Top seed and former world number one Rafael Nadal takes on young Australian Nick Kyrgios next in Acapulco. Here’s a look at their matchup.

Rafael Nadal is through his opener in Acapulco with ease. The top seed is a two-time former champion at the Mexican Open and appears in fantastic form so far this year. He is playing in his first match since finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the 2019 Australian Open.

Up next for Nadal is an interesting opponent in Nick Kyrgios though. While Kyrgios has struggled to remain consistent as of late, the young Australian tennis star has tasted success against the Spanish great in the past.

More. Djokovic's Success GREAT for Tennis. light

Looking at their career head to head history in men’s singles, Nadal is just 3-2 against Kyrgios. Their three most recent matches came on the 2017 ATP Tour where Rafa went 2-1. Nadal has scoreboard, but it isn’t by a mile.

We took a look at Kyrgios following his loss at the Delray Beach Open last week. The Australian went 1-1 there, defeating John Millman and then losing to Radu Albot.

Nadal remains OUR PICK to win in Acapulco, but Kyrgios provides an tough challenge early on in the tournament. The top seed is coming off of a straight set victory over Mischa Zverev. He wins their match 6-3, 6-3. Kyrgios will be fresh off of win over Italian veteran Andreas Seppi. The Australian defeats Seppi 6-3, 7-5.

The big question is which Kyrgios will show up against Nadal? Even if he brings his best though, Nadal is one of the toughest players for anyone to face. The edge must goto Nadal, who we like in either straight sets that could include at least one tiebreak. If Kyrgios manages to defy the odds, he could force a third set that will likely goto the player with the momentum. Nadal needs to remain focused on the end goal in Acapulco when facing Kyrgios.

Next. All 11 Nadal French Open Wins. dark

Stay tuned to see how the rest of the men’s and women’s singles action unfolds in Acapulco this week. The 2019 Mexican Open features some of the very best players on both the ATP Tour and the WTA Tour.

Home/ATP