Rafael Nadal welcomes ‘big’ Nick Kyrgios challenge after setting up Mexican Open clash
RAFAEL NADAL has acknowledged that Nick Kyrgios will offer him a “big challenge” in the second round of the Mexican Open.
Rafael Nadal says he's 'excited to be back' in Acapulco
Nadal saw off Mischa Zverev 6-3, 6-3 to extend his Acapulco record to 15-1.
That was despite having struggled with a hand injury in the build-up to the ATP 500 tournament.
This was Nadal’s first game since losing the Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic last month.
The world No 2 is the top seed in Mexico and has never failed to reach the final in his previous three appearances.
But Australian Kyrgios - who overcame Italy’s Andreas Seppi 6-3, 7-5 - has beaten Nadal twice in their five career meetings.
The 23-year-old has never truly realised his potential on the tennis court but is renowned for taking his game up a level against elite-level opposition.
The two will go head-to-head for the first time since October 2017 as Kyrgios seeks a major scalp.
And Nadal is well aware of the threat that he will pose in the round of 16.
I know Nick is one of the best talented players on tour so it will be a big challenge for me
The Spaniard told ATP World Tour after beating Zverev: “[It’s a] Tough one.
“This tournament is hard, a lot of great players, these kind of matches can happen in the very early stages.
“It will be a tough one, I know Nick is one of the best talented players on tour so it will be a big challenge for me.
“I hope to be ready for it.”
Nadal admitted it was important for him to get past Zverev, the older brother of second seed Alexander Zverev, after the troubles of his recent injury.
He added: “[I’m] Happy for the victory of course.
“[It’s] A good start for me, never easy against Mischa. And especially after a while without competing.
“I had some problems in the hand last couple of days without practicing much so it’s an important victory for me.
“Now [I] just [want to] enjoy these few hours and try to be ready for tomorrow.”