Third seed Alex de Minaur efficiently defended his Mexican Open crown on Saturday, romping to a 6-4 6-4 victory over Casper Ruud within the Acapulco title conflict.

The consequence helped the 25-year-old Australian snap a four-match dropping run in finals and bag his eighth ATP Tour title – his seventh on exhausting courts – to safe his place within the prime 10 of the world rankings that will likely be up to date on Monday. “It’s been an amazing week,” stated De Minaur, who completed runner-up to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in Rotterdam final month.

“It’s probably a week I didn’t really expect. I came into Mexico not feeling my best and just kept telling myself to keep giving myself chances. I think today I played my best match of the tournament by far. “Acapulco has been an excellent place for me and my tennis profession. First time I’ve received an ATP 500, first time I’ve defended a title in my profession. I really feel at residence right here.”

The world number nine drew first blood for a 2-1 lead in the opening set as sixth-seeded Norwegian Ruud, who battled through tough three-setters against Ben Shelton and Holger Rune in the prior two rounds, appeared slightly off the pace. But like he did in those matches, Ruud responded strongly to grab an early break in the second set, only for De Minaur to pull level at 2-2 before getting his nose in front in the seventh game with a stinging forehand winner.

With the momentum swinging his way, De Minaur wrapped up the match with a solid service game and celebrated being the first man to man retain the Acapulco title in 12 years. De Minaur will put any further partying on ice, however, as he said he would jet off to San Diego where his girlfriend Katie Boulter of Britain will play in the final against Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk.

“I’m trying ahead to that,” he added.

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