Jack DRAPER’s injury hands Alex DE MINAUR a spot in the Mexican Open final
ATPSaturday, 02 March 2024 at 04:14
Alex De
Minaur advances to the Mexican Open final after Jack Draper's injury
retirement. The Australian experienced a dip in form in the second set but
bounced back in the third after Draper faced clear physical difficulties,
ultimately securing the victory 6-3, 2-6, 4-0, ret.
The first
set began at a high level, considering Draper's impeccable performance
throughout the tournament, where he hadn't dropped his serve and hadn't
conceded more than four games in any of his previous matches.
The start
was evenly matched, and De Minaur took the first breakthrough in the fifth
game, marking Draper's first service game loss in the tournament. With the
advantage for the Australian, he maintained composure on serve, saving the only
break point against him while capitalizing on his two break opportunities,
winning the set 6-3 and proving superior to the young star.
In the
second set, things turned around as Draper showcased his best shots, including
well-executed dropshots that forced De Minaur to cover the entire court.
Despite apparent stomach issues, Draper seized on a drop in De Minaur's level
and comfortably won the set 6-2.
At the
start of the third set, Draper displayed increased difficulties in movement and
breathing. Struggling physically, Draper could do little against De Minaur, who
once again demonstrated his credentials as the defending champion, racing to a
4-0 lead in just 20 minutes.
The
Briton's evident struggles prevented him from completing the match, leading to
his retirement at that stage. De Minaur maintains his flawless performance in
Acapulco, securing his ninth consecutive victory in the tournament (6-3, 2-6,
4-0, ret.).
In the
final, De Minaur awaits the winner of the match between the second seed Holger
Rune and the sixth seed Casper Ruud.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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