Medvedev thus failed to take revenge after the hard final loss in the Australian Open in January, where the 35-year-old Spaniard accounted for an incomparable turnaround and won in five sets after losing the first two.

The win marked his 21st grand slam title, a new historic record on the men's side.

The clash in Mexico, however, was tougher than the numbers suggest.

After breaking the Russian early in the second set, Nadal encountered the problem in the fourth clip, where he was forced to save four break balls.

In the sixth clip, Medvedev pressed again, but in the end did not manage to get any of his total seven break chances.

- The second set was very emotional, says Nadal.

- Daniil played very aggressively, stop balls, winners.

It was a very difficult set.

Despite a lead of 40-0, Medevev lost the match in his own clip when he served to stay in the match at the position 40-0.

However, there are reasons for joy for the 26-year-old - on Monday he will take over first place from Novak Djokovic after the Serb's loss in Dubai yesterday.

Nadal is placed in the final in Acapulco against the British Cameron Norrie, who easily won his semifinal against the world four Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-4, 6-4.

CLIP: Djokovic lost in Dubai - loses place (24/2)

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Daniil Medvedev is the new world number one.

Photo: TT