A blistering display from Alex De Minaur helped the Australian win his second consecutive Acapulco 500 title, defeating former world No.2 Casper Ruud under the lights in Mexico. After suffering a defeat to Jordan Thompson in last week's Los Cabos final, another Aussie would stand in the way of Ruud and a first trophy for 2024. Just as he's been doing all tournament, de Minaur stamped his authority on proceedings in the early stages, suffocating his opponent by covering every inch of the court and finding the lines with ease. Conceding only five points on serve including a double fault, a solitary break was all that de Minaur required to clinch the opening set. The following set became more of an arm wrestle when Ruud discovered some comfort and confidence to lead 2-0 and carry much-needed momentum. However, the three-time Grand Slam finalist let slip a 40-15 lead on serve to concede four straight points and throw away his hard work. At 3-3 30-30, De Minaur decided to avoid a simple volley at the net before the ball landed in - much to the disgust of the Sydneysider that could've proved another turning point. He put that moment aside as all great champions do - breaking Ruud's serve yet again to be within touching distance of the finish line. A simply ridiculous (but not surprising) rally from De Minaur ensured he won a contender for point of the year with incredible defence.
One hour and fifty-one minutes later, de Minaur wrapped up the contest 6-4 6-4 to claim back-to-back Acapulco titles. It's the first ATP title for the highest-ranked Australian since that moment in 2023, having lost four consecutive deciders.
"It's been an amazing week, probably a week I didn't expect," de Minaur said after the match.
"I came into Mexico not feeling my best and I just kept telling myself to keep giving myself chances, and I played my best match of the tournament."
De Minaur now moves into the top 10 of the ATP rankings as he prepares for the first Masters 1000 of the calendar year in Indian Wells next week.