There is a new world no. 1 in men's tennis.
Russia's Daniil Medvedev has become the first player outside of the ‘Big Four’, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to hold the No. 1 ranking in 18 years, since Andy Roddick on 1 February 2004.
Medvedev gained his No. 1 ranking after Novak Djokovic bowed out in the quarterfinals in Dubai.
Abierto Mexicana Telcel Acapulco ATP 500:
Final: [4] Rafael Nadal (ESP) def [6] Cam Norrie (GBR) 6-4, 6-4
Rafael Nadal's extraordinary 2022 season continued this week as the 35-year-old lifted his fourth title in Acapulco and the 91st of his career.
Nadal's perfect season continued as he increased his win streak to 15 matches.
"I went through some very difficult moments during the match that I was able to save, and then I took advantage when I had the chances," Nadal told the ATP.
"I'm very pleased. It was a very important title for me, so I can't be happier."
With the title, Nadal became both the oldest and youngest winner in Acapulco, after claiming the title back in 2005 as an 18-year-old.
On the other side of the net - Cam Norrie's tremendous form and his eight-match win streak came to an end at the hands of the Spaniard.
"Cameron is a very solid player, a tricky player," Nadal said post-match. "He makes you feel that you cannot play comfortably against him at all."
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ATP 500:
Final: [2] Andrey Rublev (RUS) def [Q] Jiri Vesely (CZE) 6-3, 6-4
24-year-old Andrey Rublev lifted his 10th career ATP title in Dubai, increasing his win streak to nine after claiming the title in Marseille last week.
“I feel super happy even though I am tired," Rublev said in the post-match trophy presentation. "I was lucky today, and that’s why I am happy to be the champion."
“I came here without any expectation. I was thinking, even if I'm going to win at least one round, it's going to be something like a miracle. I was a bit in this kind of mood. I was not thinking [about] if there is a player that I don't want to face.”
The Russian's outstanding season continues, as he extended his win/loss record to 14/2 in 2022.
It wasn't meant to be for Jiri Vesely, but he certainly played a role this week, defeating Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals, seeing the Serb lose his world no. 1 ranking.
Russian Daniil Medvedev became the new world no. 1.
Chile Dove Men+Care Open Santiago ATP 250:
Final: [4] Pedro Martinez (ESP) def [7] Sebastian Baez (ARG)
24-year-old Pedro Martinez overcame Argentine Sebastian Baez to clinch his maiden ATP Tour title in Santiago on Sunday.
“I am very happy,” Martinez said in his post-match on-court interview.
“It was a big battle. He has played unbelievably well in the past year. I played very well at the end and am really happy. I always fight until the end and that can give you opportunities.”
The Spaniard has risen 22 spots in the ATP Rankings to a career-high no. 50.
Qatar TotalEnergies Open WTA 1000:
Final: [7] Iga Swiatek (POL) def [4] Anett Kontaveit (EST) 6-2, 6-0
20-year-old Iga Swilatek claimed her fourth career title at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, dropping just one set en route to the title.
"I am being more aggressive right now and I love that. At first I wasn't really convinced, so yeah, big thanks to him for showing me this different perspective," Swiatek told the WTA.
"Practicing in Warsaw is a totally different story than going on tour, so I'm pretty happy the last few weeks have shown that we have a good relationship, and we have also like good mood in our team. We have fun. And it was always important for me to other members of the team to have a good relationship between each other, so I can have full support but also feel comfortable around them. They are giving me a lot."
The Polish star will return to her career-high no.4 in the WTA Rankings on Monday.
Abierto Akron Zapopan WTA 250:
Final: [6] Sloane Stephens (USA) def Marie Bouzkova (CZE) 7-5, 1-6, 6-2
American Sloane Stephens claimed her seventh career WTA title and her first in nearly four years, overcoming Marie Bouzkova.
"[I'm] Excited that I was able to do that, get a title, and hopefully continue on with that momentum," Stephens told the WTA.
"I think I prepared all last year, I committed to training and my fitness and everything. Obviously I didn’t get results right away, but now seeing the fruits of that labour blossom is nice.
"I still want to get back to where I was, that’s still really important to me. I think it’s possible, it’s doable, so I’m really excited about that."
With the win, the 28-year-old has risen 18 spots in the WTA Rankings from 57 to 39.
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