Alex de Minaur has rallied to claim the biggest win of his career, knocking off American Tommy Paul 3-6, 6-4, 6-1 in the final of the Mexican Open in Acapulco.
The victory marks the Aussies seventh career title and first crown at the ATP 500 level.
After losing the opening set 6-3 to seventh seed Paul, de Minaur forced a deciding third set by clinching the second 6-4.
In completing the ultimate come-from-behind win, de Minaur saved five break points in the first game of the decider before completely blowing Paul off the court – the effects of Saturday’s marathon semi final against Taylor Fritz clearly proving too much for the Australian Open semi-finalist.
Speaking post-match, de Minaur was pleased with his ability to fight back from a set down.
“It feels great, it feels amazing,” he told ATP TV.
“I know the hard work I’ve put in to be here, and it’s good to see the results.
“It’s not always that you win a tournament and you get to finish a week unbeaten so I’ll definitely cherish this heading into Indian Wells and Miami.
“I just want to keep pushing, keep getting the most out of myself.
“I might not play unbelievable tennis every day but I know I’m gonna fight until the end.
“I’ve got a whole lot of heart in this little body of mine and I enjoy competing, so very happy with it.”
