De Minaur Beats Rudd to Become First Player to Win Back-to Back Titles in Mexico since 2012

Alex De Minaur of Australia celebrates with the champion trophy after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway during the singles final at the Mexican Tennis Open in Acapulco state of Guerrero, Mexico, 02 March 2024. (EPA)
Alex De Minaur of Australia celebrates with the champion trophy after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway during the singles final at the Mexican Tennis Open in Acapulco state of Guerrero, Mexico, 02 March 2024. (EPA)
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De Minaur Beats Rudd to Become First Player to Win Back-to Back Titles in Mexico since 2012

Alex De Minaur of Australia celebrates with the champion trophy after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway during the singles final at the Mexican Tennis Open in Acapulco state of Guerrero, Mexico, 02 March 2024. (EPA)
Alex De Minaur of Australia celebrates with the champion trophy after defeating Casper Ruud of Norway during the singles final at the Mexican Tennis Open in Acapulco state of Guerrero, Mexico, 02 March 2024. (EPA)

Alex De Minaur beat Casper Rudd 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday to become the first player to win back-to back titles in the Mexican Open since 2012.

The third-seeded De Minaur won his eighth ATP title to become the fourth player to repeat as champion in Mexico, the first since David Ferrer in 2010-12.

The 25-year-old Australian won his 10 consecutive match in Acapulco to break a four-match losing streaks in ATP finals, including Rotterdam earlier this year.

“Acapulco is becoming like a second home. I thought that it was impossible to get feel better after what happened last year, but I came back a year later to defend the title and it has been true pleasure,” de Minaur said.

The Mexican Open was nearly canceled because a category 5 hurricane hit the city four months ago, leaving 52 people dead. The Diamond Zone an oceanfront area replete with hotels and where the tennis arena is located, was devastated.

“We (the tennis players) wanted to bring some joy to this wonderful city and I’m sure that Acapulco will shine stronger than ever,” added the Australian.

The sixth-seeded Ruud missed the chance to win his 11th title in the ATP and his first ATP 500 title.

De Minaur took an early break to take a 3-1 lead in the first set and both hold their serve for the 6-4 score in the first one.

In the second, both players exchanged breaks in the first four games and the Australian got a break in the seventh game to take the lead.



European Leagues, Union Appeal to EU Against FIFA over Crowded Calendar

FILE PHOTO: A long exposure shows FIFA's logo near its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A long exposure shows FIFA's logo near its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo/File Photo
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European Leagues, Union Appeal to EU Against FIFA over Crowded Calendar

FILE PHOTO: A long exposure shows FIFA's logo near its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A long exposure shows FIFA's logo near its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland February 27, 2022. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo/File Photo

The European Leagues umbrella body, FIFPRO players' union and Spain's LaLiga plan to file a joint complaint to the EU on Monday against global governing body FIFA over the ballooning soccer calendar.
Elite clubs are increasingly concerned at the impact of expanding schedules on wellbeing of players, some of whom say they are struggling with the physical and psychological strain despite the enormous salaries they can earn, Reuters reported.
The three organizations’ appeal to EU antitrust regulators, first announced in July, presents yet another challenge to FIFA. Two weeks ago, Europe's top court ruled that FIFA's player transfer regulations breach EU laws following a challenge by former player Lassana Diarra from France.
Disgruntled athletes and sports bodies have increasingly turned to the EU antitrust enforcer to help secure a level playing field and chip away at the power of governing bodies.
European Leagues, FIFPRO and LaLiga say the international match calendar, including an expanded Champions League and Club World Cup, has become unsustainable for national leagues and a health risk for players.
They accuse FIFA of abusing its market power.
FIFA says the calendar was unanimously approved by its council after a comprehensive consultation, including FIFPRO and league bodies.
The European Commission, which acts as the competition enforcer for the 27-country bloc, can order companies to stop anti-competitive practices and also fine them.