NEW DELHI: Third seed Alex de Minaur showcased his dominance on Saturday by securing a 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Casper Ruud in the Acapulco title clash, successfully defending his crown from the previous year at the Mexican Open.
The victory marked a significant milestone for the 25-year-old Australian, who not only ended a four-match losing streak in finals but also clinched his eighth ATP Tour title, with seven of them now earned on hard courts.
Additionally, De Minaur's triumph propelled him into the top 10 of the world rankings, a testament to his consistency and prowess on the court.
From the outset, De Minaur asserted his authority, securing an early break to claim a 2-1 lead in the opening set. Despite facing a resilient opponent in sixth-seeded Norwegian Ruud, who had battled through grueling three-set encounters in the previous rounds, De Minaur maintained his composure and capitalized on his opportunities.
Ruud, known for his tenacity, fought back strongly, managing to secure an early break in the second set. However, De Minaur quickly responded, leveling the score at 2-2 before seizing control of the match with a decisive forehand winner in the seventh game.
With momentum on his side, De Minaur closed out the match with a commanding service game, securing his status as the first man in 12 years to successfully retain the Acapulco title. His relentless determination and clinical performance earned him well-deserved accolades from fans and pundits alike, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the ATP Tour.
(With inputs from Reuters)
