Mexican Open: Alex de Minaur beats Casper Ruud in straight sets to defend title in Acapulco

Alex de Minaur earned his eighth ATP Tour title as he overcame Casper Ruud 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Mexican Open.

The third seed in Acapulco, De Minaur clinically converted three of his four break points to seal victory in one hour and 57 minutes, and register his first win over his Norwegian opponent since the ATP Next Gen Finals back in 2019.

De Minaur, who keeps his place in the world’s top 10 with this title, extends his record to 15-4 for the calendar year, and continues to put aside a disappointing Australian Open exit, where he lost to Andrey Rublev in the fourth round.

“It’s been an amazing week,” de Minaur said afterwards. “Probably a week I didn’t really expect, if I’m honest.

“I came into Mexico not feeling my best and just kept on telling myself to keep giving myself chances. I think today I played my best match of the tournament, so I’m extremely happy with that.

“The first time I won a 500 [here], and [now] the first time I’ve defended a title in my career. I feel at home here and it’s a great place to be.”

De Minaur struck the ball cleanly when it mattered, and he led Ruud 27 winners to eight.

The Australian became the first player to defend the Acapulco trophy since the tournament’s move to the acrylic in 2014.