Juan Martin Del Potro won his first ATP tour title of the year Saturday night in Acapulco. The Argentine ouclassed Kevin Anderson in straight sets 6-4 6-4, defeating his third top 10 player in a week.
The 29-year-old was in fine form as he grasped his first ATP tour title since Basel in 2013. Del Potro outplayed the South African as he dominated the match. The 6’6″ Acapulco champion fired down 12 aces, his most of the week, while winning 78% of his 1st serve points.
Anderson, who had been in the form of life this year so far, was in his third final of 2018. However, the pressure told as the 31-year-old put only 57% of his first serves in play and won just 42% of the points on his 2nd serves.
After the match, Del Potro said, “I beat three top 10 guys in the same tournament, which is very important for myself. I’m so glad to win my 21st title playing in Acapulco.”
Their seventh meeting on ATP tour went the same way the previous six have. The heavy-hitting battle between the two tennis giants took a turn early in the second set. 6’8″ Anderson fell as he approached the net at 15-0 up. The fall lead to Del Potro fighting back and getting the all-important break.
The 2012 US Open champion will now rise to World #8 in the rankings, replacing the South African. Del Potro has now won and reached a final on the tour so fathis.
Del Potro now heads to the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. The courts at the two American Masters 1000 series this month will give him a real opportunity to notch big wins and improve his ranking even more. The Acapulco champion will be one of the favorites when the tournament starts on Thursday.
Main Photo:
n Martin Del Potro won his first ATP tour title of the year Saturday night in Acapulco. The Argentine ouclassed Kevin Anderson in straight sets 6-4 6-4, defeating his third top 10 player in a week.
