Medvedev One Week From No. 1 In Loaded Acapulco Field; Nadal, Zverev In Path

A loaded field will await Daniil Medvedev’s first attempt to dethrone Novak Djokovic and become the No. 1 player in the world.

The Russian will reach the top spot with a title this week in Acapulco, but the task will be far from easy.

In his way will be former champions Rafael Nadal and Alexander Zverev along with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini and many more.

Medvedev will open play in this 32-draw event against French veteran Benoit Paire. He could face Taylor Fritz in the quarterfinals with an Australian Open rematch with Rafael Nadal in the semifinals.

Nadal, who makes his return after that incredible win over Medvedev in the Australian Open final three weeks ago, begins a quest for a fourth Acapulco title against the in-form Reilly Opelka. Another American in Maxime Cressy could be next with either Matteo Berrettini or Sebastian Korda in the quarters.

With Pablo Carreno Busta his toughest foe, Stefanos Tsitsipas figures to reach the semifinals in the bottom half. Alexander Zverev, though, might not make it. Zverev opens his title defense against Jenson Brooksby, then could face Brandon Nakashima in the second round and Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals.

Medvedev will also have a watchful eye on what’s happening in Dubai where Djokovic is playing. He Djokovic loses early, Medvedev could get No. 1 quicker. Regardless, an Acapulco title gives Medvedev No. 1.