The 23-year-old
Alexander Zverev claimed his 14th ATP title in Acapulco, beating the top seed
Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 in two hours and 17 minutes after a great fight.
It was the German's first victory over the Greek since Washington 2018 and five straight defeats, playing better when it mattered the most to seal the deal in straight sets and claim the first title of the season.
Alexander had 26 winners and 33 unforced errors, fending off six out of eight break points and delivering three breaks from 12 opportunities to move over the top and lift the trophy, the first at the ATP 500 level since Washington 2018. Zverev struggled behind the second serve but did enough to keep the initial shot safe and mount the pressure on Tsitsipas, who couldn't deal with it.
Stefanos made the strongest start, delivering a break in game two and providing three comfortable holds for a 4-1 advantage after 19 minutes. In one of the crucial games, Alexander saved three break points in game xi to remain in touch and gather momentum. The German broke back at 15 in game seven and held at love for 4-4. Tsitsipas hit a double fault in game nine to suffer another break, allowing Zverev to clinch the set after saving a break point in game ten.
Alexander grabbed a break at 4-4 in set number two and served for the title in the next one. Tsitsipas saved a match point and pulled the break back to level the score at 5-5 and more drama. The Greek saved six break points in game 11 and wasted a set point in the next one to introduce a tie break. Zverev won it 7-3 with a forehand winner in the tenth point to celebrate the title.