Third seed Alex de Minaur efficiently defended his Mexican Open crown on Saturday, romping to a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud within the Acapulco title conflict.
The end result helped the 25-year-old Australian snap a four-match shedding run in finals and bag his eighth ATP Tour title – his seventh on onerous courts – to safe his place within the prime 10 of the world rankings that can be up to date on Monday.
“It’s been a tremendous week,” stated De Minaur, who completed runner-up to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in Rotterdam final month.
“It’s in all probability every week I didn’t actually count on. I got here into Mexico not feeling my finest and simply saved telling myself to maintain giving myself probabilities. I feel at this time I performed my finest match of the match by far.
“Acapulco has been an excellent place for me and my tennis profession. First time I’ve received an ATP 500, first time I’ve defended a title in my profession. I really feel at house right here.”
The world quantity 9 drew first blood for a 2-1 lead within the opening set as sixth-seeded Norwegian Ruud, who battled via powerful three-setters in opposition to Ben Shelton and Holger Rune within the prior two rounds, appeared barely off the tempo.
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However like he did in these matches, Ruud responded strongly to seize an early break within the second set, just for De Minaur to drag degree at 2-2 earlier than getting his nostril in entrance within the seventh recreation with a stinging forehand winner.
With the momentum swinging his manner, De Minaur wrapped up the match with a stable service recreation and celebrated being the primary man to man retain the Acapulco title in 12 years.
De Minaur will put any additional partying on ice, nevertheless, as he stated he would jet off to San Diego the place his girlfriend Katie Boulter of Britain will play within the last in opposition to Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.
“I’m wanting ahead to that,” he added.