Novak Djokovic fan displays 'Djokovic is GOAT' placard during Rafael Nadal's match in Acapulco
Novak Djokovic may not have participated in this year's Mexican Open, but a fan ensured that his presence was still felt, in a rather interesting manner.
During Rafael Nadal's quarterfinal against Tommy Paul on Thursday, a young lady brandished a placard that read "Djokovic is the GOAT".
today! Get it! Once and for all!!
Message to @RafaelNadal in Acapulco 🇲🇽 today! Get it! Once and for all!! https://t.co/2BX2ikdViI
Nadal was unfazed and easily dispatched Paul 6-0, 7-6(5) to book his place in the semifinals.
"I think I played one of the best sets since a long time ago," Nadal said. "I played fantastic in the first set. In the beginning of the second I made a couple of mistakes, and then he started playing better and better. The set became a little bit crazy with a lot of breaks."
Djokovic, on the other hand, was eliminated from the Dubai Tennis Championships after losing to qualifier Jiri Vesely in straight sets in the quarterfinals.
Rafael Nadal faces Cameron Norrie in the final
Nadal defeated new World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Mexican Open. The Russian reached the top of the ATP rankings following Djokovic's loss in the quarterfinals in Dubai. Interestingly, Medvedev wasn't even aware of the scenario until congratulatory messages started pouring in.
Incredible Nadal! 😳
A month after his Australian Open victory, Rafa beats Daniil Medvedev again 6-3 6-3 to book his 3rd final of the year in Acapulco https://t.co/eINYHJ3RbT
Nadal and Medvedev were involved in a thrilling Australian Open final last month, with the Spaniard fighting back from two sets down to win a record 21st Grand Slam title.
Nadal consolidated his win in Australia by beating the Russian at Acapulco. He saved 11 breakpoints en route to his 6-3, 6-3 win and will face Cameron Norrie in the final.
"I think I played some amazing points in those break points. In the second set Daniil was playing very aggressive. It was a very difficult set," said Nadal. "I feel lucky to win that set because he had a lot of chances. The first set was a little bit easier, he tried to play more aggressive but I did well. I'm really happy with the way I played against the No. 1 player in the world. So I'm excited to be in the final."
Norrie, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinals in straight sets, has looked in fine form after a bad start to the season. The Brit won his first title of the season at Delray Beach and will look to make it back-to-back titles ahead of the Sunshine double.