Aussie Alex de Minaur was hoping for a weekend double after beating Casper Ruud in straight sets to defend his Mexican Open title on Saturday night, jumping on plane to the US to support girlfriend Katie Boulter in San Diego at her first WTA Tour final.
De Minaur was too good for the Norwegian, winning his final in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4 in just under two hours with a strong service performance that had Ruud on the ropes for much of the match.
The Aussie dropped only five points on serve to take the first set in 52 minutes, then broke Ruud twice to seal victory in the second set.
The victory saw him equal David Ferrer, Nicolas Almagro and Thomas Muster in winning successive Mexican Open titles.
“It’s probably a week I didn’t really expect,” De Minaur said. I came into Mexico not feeling my best and just kept telling myself to keep giving myself chances.
“I think today I played my best match of the tournament by far.
“Acapulco has been a very good place for me and my tennis career – first time I’ve won an ATP 500, first time I’ve defended a title in my career.
“I’m looking forward to San Diego next.”
Boulter had upset third seed Emma Navarro 6-3,6-1 to reach her maiden final, where she will face Australian Open quarter-finalist Marta Kostyuk.
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