Alex de Minaur has successfully defended his title at the Mexican Open by defeating Casper Ruud in straight sets. This victory adds to his impressive start to the season and marks a highlight in his flourishing career.
In one hour and 57 minutes on Sunday, third-seeded player de Minaur easily defeated Norway’s three-time grand slam runner-up with a score of 6-4 6-4, earning his eighth ATP title and first of the year.
Known for his exceptional quickness and unyielding ability to counter-punch, the 9th-ranked Australian player secured his most recent win with an impressive serving performance.
In just 52 minutes, De Minaur served impressively, only losing five points and securing the first set. The only break occurred in the third game.
He was particularly efficient with his first serve, winning all but two points after successfully delivering it at the start of each rally.
The 25-year-old won the match against fifth-seeded Ruud by breaking his serve twice more, earning him the Mexican Open title for the second year in a row. He now joins David Ferrer (2010-12), Nicolas Almagro (2008-09), and former world No 1 Thomas Muster (1993-96) as a consecutive winner of the tournament.
De Minaur participated in his 16th ATP Tour final, which was his second of the year. He had previously lost to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in Rotterdam last month.
It was an uncommon loss to the top players on the tour.
During the beginning of March, de Minaur has achieved seven victories over players ranked in the top 15.
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He defeated top-ranked player Novak Djokovic, as well as Alexander Zverev and Taylor Fritz, during the Australian summer. He has since triumphed over Andrey Rublev, Stefano Tsitsipas, Grigor Dimitrov, and the 12th ranked Ruud, adding them to his list of defeated opponents.
The triumph of De Minaur in Acapulco comes after the first ATP championship victory of his fellow Sydneysider, Jordan Thompson, last week in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Thompson also refused to let Ruud be victorious in the final round.
Source: theguardian.com
