RAFAEL Nadal has kept pace with world number one, Novak Djokovic by claiming a title in Mexico as Djokovic did the same in Dubai. The Spaniard proved too good for American Taylor Fritz, defeating the world number 35 in 74 minutes, 6-3 6-2.

It was Nadal’s first tournament since his quarter finals exit at the Australian Open, and he barely broke a sweat during his Acapulco run, cruising through to the title without dropping a set and winning title number 85 of his career. In the match, Nadal only served one ace to Fritz’s 10, but won 83 and 76 per cent of his first and second serve points, off a 63 per cent serving efficiency. The world number two also broke the American three times from seven chances, while saving Fritz’s only break point opportunity. Standing up on return, Nadal also won 65 per cent of his second serve return points in a comfortable win.

Fritz’s run to the Acapulco final has seen him bolt up to number 24 in the world, rising 11 places to be only three spots off John Isner – the player he defeated in the semi-finals – as the top ranked American. Nadal was able to maintain pace with Djokovic in the top two, and is more than 2300 points clear of third ranked Dominic Thiem.