World no. 7 Alexander Zverev advanced to his 23rd ATP final at 23 following a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6 victory over Dominik Koepfer after over two hours.
Zverev won eight points more than Koepfer and scored three breaks that carried him over the top without playing a decider and spending more time on the court. Alexander raced into a 4-1 lead in the opener with a double break, keeping one of those for 6-4 and momentum ahead of set number two.
In the first game, the crowd and players felt an earthquake that didn't stop the action. From 5-2 down, Zverev pulled the break back and sealed the deal 7-5 in the tie break to set the final clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas.
"The lights started shaking, and the crowd felt it more than we did. We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake. We didn't feel much, but still, obviously, I know it happens here in Acapulco. Dominik is a very tough player to play right now. He won some incredible matches.
Beating Milos Raonic on a hard court the way he did is very tough. I think he showed that he is somebody who can play extremely well on this level. Today, honestly, I thought I played a not bad match, and he gave me a tough time," Alexander Zverev said.