February 27, 2025
Reuters
MEXICO CITY, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Eighteen-year-old Rafael Nadal captured his second ATP Tour title in as many weeks when he destroyed fellow Spaniard Albert Montanes in the $643,000 Abierto Mexicano event in Acapulco, Mexico on Saturday.
The unseeded Montanes, playing in his first final of the year, was no match for the eighth seed who romped to a 6-1 6-0 victory.
"Nadal is at a very high level," a shell-shocked Montanes said. "He gave me a tennis lesson like no one had done in a very long time.
"The thing is that I was playing well. He has a huge self confidence and a very high ball rhythm that only a few can stand at the moment."
Victory secured a third career title for Nadal, who defeated compatriot Alberto Martin in last week's Brazil Open final.
"I showed the confidence I have gained since the quarter-finals," Nadal said. "I started very well, calm and believing I could win it.
"Albert started with some nerves making some mistakes and that allowed me to take an early advantage in the score that helped me for my confidence.
UNBELIEVABLE LEVEL
"I have played with a lot of motivation and especially since the match against Canas. He is number 11 in the world and to beat him the way I did on his favourite surface that got me really pumped up and excited.
"I definitely improved my level there. After winning that match I found myself in the semis and there I thought why not again and win the title? I played very well against (Mariano) Puerta and that was the key."
Nadal ended 2004 in style by beating Andy Roddick to help Spain defeat the United States in the final of the Davis Cup.
Montanes could only take his hat off to his countryman.
"Nadal played at an unbelievable level," he said. "I tried to play my match, to play the match but simply had no chances.
"I am happy with the week overall since I came into this tournament without having won a single match. After the first round I had more confidence which took the pressure off me.
"The results came and I managed to win some important matches. I can say I am happy."
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