Nick Kyrgios has fallen short of a berth against Rafael Nadal in the final of the Mexican Open, beaten by American Sam Querrey in Acapulco.

The Australian started the semi-final strongly and had treatment on his elbow at the end of the second set before the unseeded Querrey triumphed 3-6 6-1 7-5 on Friday night.

It was a disappointing exit for Kyrgios – whose serve was broken for Querrey to seal victory – a day after eliminating 12-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic.

Querrey became the first American finalist in the 24-year history of the tournament.

Earlier, Nadal routed Croatia’s Marin Cilic 6-1 6-2.

Seeking his first title this season and 70th overall, the 30 year-old Spaniard ran his Mexican Open winning streak to 14 matches and 28 sets.

He won the hardcourt event in 2005 and 2013.

The second-seeded Nadal, playing his first tournament since losing to Roger Federer in the Australian Open final, last won a hardcourt title in January 2014 in Doha.