British number one Cameron Norrie missed out on a second ATP title in the space of a month as Rafael Nadal defeated his counterpart 6-4 6-4 to win the Mexican Open.
Norrie had seen off Australian Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas to set up a tie with Nadal, six days after becoming Delray Beach Open champion in Florida.
The vital breaks came in the fifth game of the first set and the first game of the second set for Nadal, but Norrie threatened a comeback straight away after the latter as the Spaniard's effort went long.
However, with Norrie in the lead at 2-1, the Australian Open champion found his groove to take four games on the bounce and ultimately seal the title following Norrie's long return.
Nadal has now extended his perfect start to 2022 with 15 victories and three ATP crowns, triumphing in Mexico after taking the Melbourne Summer Set and Australian Open titles.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner previously won the Mexico Open title in 2005, 2013 and 2020, while Norrie has now suffered a sixth defeat from nine ATP Tour finals.
Ben Knapton
