The National Times - Machac downs Davidovich for first ATP title in Acapulco

Weather - Sydney 24°C

Machac downs Davidovich for first ATP title in Acapulco

SPORTS 02.03.2025

Machac downs Davidovich for first ATP title in Acapulco / Photo: © AFP

Tomas Machac captured his first ATP title on Saturday, beating Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (8/6), 6-2 to win the Mexico Open in Acapulco.

Change text size:

Machac, the eighth seed who was ranked just 65th in the world a year ago and came into the week ranked 25th, is projected to make his top 20 debut when the new rankings are released on Monday.

The 24-year-old delivered a formidable display on serve, winning 37 of 39 first-serve points and saving a set point at 5/6 in the first-set tiebreaker with a thundering serve that drew an error from Davidovich.

He was also impressive from the baseline, using his forehand to dictate rallies as he posted his second win in two matches against Davidovich, the world number 48.

Machac is the second Czech player to win the Mexico Open, after Jiri Novak in 1998.

He's also the third first-time winner this season, following Alexandre Muller in Hong Kong in January and 18-year-old Brazilian Joao Fonseca in Buenos Aires in February.

It was a second straight ATP runner-up finish for Davidovich, who wasted two match points in a loss to Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic in the Delray Beach final on February 16.

R.Campbell--TNT

Featured

Former SNY Host Niki Lattarulo Confirms Layoffs Amid Network Cuts

Former SNY host Niki Lattarulo has confirmed she was among the editorial staff laid off last week as the sports network canceled two of its flagship programs. The cuts coincide with a broader operational review that includes removing past content from the network's website, though core Mets and Jets coverage will continue.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: