On Thursday, the defending champion Alex de Minaur defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas for the first time to go to the ATP hardcourt tournament semifinals in Acapulco, Mexico.
On Thursday, the defending champion Alex de Minaur defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas for the first time to go to the ATP hardcourt tournament semifinals in Acapulco, Mexico. De Minaur of Australia had lost all ten of their previous encounters with Tsitsipas, and it appeared that the Greek would do the same as the Greek easily won the opening set 6-1. However, third-seeded De Minaur rallied for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 triumph and secured a matchup with Britain’s Jack Draper in the round of four, fresh off a runner-up result to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in Rotterdam.
“Every time I’ve got to play him I get reminded about my (record in the) matchup,” De Minaur stated. “I’m glad I got one on the board.”
Fifth-seeded Tsitsipas easily won the opening set, breaking De Minaur three times.
In the second set, the Australian prevailed after five service breaks, and in the third set, he saved the lone break point that came his way.
“I would like to say that no one beats me 11 times in a row, but hey, Stefanos has had my number for a very long time, so I’m glad I was able to get one back,” De Minaur stated.
The 22-year-old Draper easily defeated Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-2 to guarantee his spot in the final four.
Second-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark and sixth-seeded Casper Ruud of Norway will face off in the other semifinal.
After defeating Dominik Koepfer of Germany 7-6 (7/2) and 7-6 (7/0), Rune advanced to the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.
After falling behind, Ruud overcame American Ben Shelton 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 6-4.
