de Minaur wins Acapulco title

Final day in Acapulco.

2023 Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, an ATP 500 tournament, on Hard, in Acapulco, Mexico, 27 February - 4 March 2023.

2022 champion (not defending):

Rafael Nadal (4) who defeated Cameron Norrie (6) 6-4 6-4

Final:

Tommy Paul (7) (USA) v Alex de Minaur (8) (Australia)

de Minaur had won all three previous matches between the players, all in 2022, and the most recent a quarter final in Eastbourne.

In the final, Paul saved two break points in game three of the first set, before holding serve.

In the very next game, the American broke the de Minaur serve and led 3-1.

No more break chances for the set and Paul served it out 6-3.

de Minaur saved a break point in game three of set two, and held serve.

Paul saved three break points in the sixth game but failed to save a fourth.

de Minaur couldn’t consolidate the break and Paul broke back to trail 3-4.

Serving at 4-5, Paul was broken again, and de Minaur took the set 6-4, levelling the match.

de Minaur saved five break points in the opening game of the decider.

He held serve, then broke Paul in the following game.

A love game consolidated the break and de Minaur led 3-0.

de Minaur broke again in the fourth game.

Serving at 0-5, Paul saved one match point, and eventually held serve, forcing de Minaur to serve for the match.

de Minaur raced to 40-0. Paul saved one of the three match points he faced, but that was all.

Alex de Minaur won 3-6 6-4 6-1 to claim his 7th title and first at ATP 500 level.