Acapulco, February 24 – American Patrick Kypson caused a major upset in the first round of the Mexican Open by defeating sixth-seeded Alex de Minaur 6-1, (4-6), 7-6(4). This victory marked his first tour-level win since Indian Wells in 2024.
This was Kypson's first appearance at the Mexican tournament, coincidentally during the week he reached his career-high ranking. De Minaur, meanwhile, was playing his first event since winning the title in Rotterdam a fortnight ago.
Kypson turned the match around by breaking Alex de Minaur while the Australian served for victory at 5-4 in the final set, before closing out a hard-fought contest in two hours and 39 minutes. According to ATP Stats, the American was clinical with his first serve, claiming 71 per cent of those points (48 of 68), and made the most of his opportunities, converting three of five break chances.
"It feels amazing. Everything was important. I had to serve well. I had to return well. I played my forehand really well. Luckily, I was able to do those things for a pretty extended period of time," Kypson said after the match.
Kypson, now ranked a career-high World No. 103 this week, has climbed seven spots to No. 93 in the ATP Live Rankings. The 26-year-old was among six players tied for the most ATP Challenger titles in 2025 with four wins. In the second round, he will compete against Brandon Nakashima, who comfortably defeated Elias Ymer 6-3, 6-4.
Kypson reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 103 this week, climbing seven spots from No. 103. The 26-year-old shared the lead for most titles at the ATP Challenger level in 2025 with four wins, tied with five others. In the second round, he will compete against Brandon Nakashima, who comfortably defeated Elias Ymer 6-3, 6-4.
Elsewhere in the opening round, 2025 runner-up Alejandro Davidovich Fokina began his Acapulco run in convincing fashion, securing a straight-sets win. The Spaniard defeated Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3, wrapping up the contest in just 94 minutes. He will compete against either Rinky Hijikata or Mattia Bellucci in the second round.