Photo Source: TTV
Acapulco is known for its electric atmosphere. The tournament's slate of matches start in the evening due to heat and frequently produces late-night finishes that are enjoyed by revelers who have spent their days beachside and are looking for a little excitement before calling it a night.
Those revelers got their money’s worth on Tuesday as they witnessed 19-year-old Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez, a former junior No.1 and the current World No.356, shocked Australia's Aleksander Vukic 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(4) in three hours and one minute in an absolutely insane atmosphere on the Grandstand.
The teenager becomes the first Mexican to win a match in Acapulco in 14 years, and the youngest man from his country to win a match on tour since 1996.
Pacheco Mendez rode the waves of the crowd, playing brilliantly at times, and maintaining his fever dream mode as he closed out the hard-fought victory. It was one of those rare moments where you could feel the pent up energy of a nation finally releasing as it latched on to the energy of the young talent.
The Mexican fans are incredible, and we see that in Acapulco every year. But they took it to another level on Tuesday as they witnessed one of their own making history. A truly magical moment.
The atmosphere should be electric again tomorrow, as the rising talent takes on Casper Ruud in the final match of the evening.
In other action on Day 2 in Acapulco, top-seeded and 2021 champion Alexander Zverev rallied to defeat Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi, 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4, while fourth-seeded Holger Rune toppled Roberto Carballes Baena, 7-6(4), 6-3.
Seventh-seeded Frances Tiafoe (d. Muller), Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (d. Bellucci), Denis Shapovalov (d. Basavareddy) and Brandon Nakashima (d. Bonzi) were also winners.