Zverev triumphs in Acapulco to boost confidence ahead of Miami

Two years after losing his first final, Germany's Alexander Zverev won the Acapulco hard court tournament on Saturday, defeating Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) in a thrilling battle of the tournament's favourites.

It was the first time that the two players, seeded No. 2 and No. 1 respectively and representing the up-and-coming stars of the ATP Tour, met in a final. Tsitsipas was leading 5-1 until then.

Zverev's second win in their head-to-head match-up is certainly the one that should matter most to him, as it brings him his first title of the season, the 14th of his career.

And it makes him one of the favourites for the Miami Masters 1000, starting next Wednesday, in the absence of stars Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem.

"This victory means a lot to me," said the world No 5 afterwards, wearing a blue sombrero and the Mexican national team's football shirt for the presentation of the trophy.

He was wearing the Mexican national team's football shirt for the presentation of the trophy. Two years ago, he lost the final of this tournament to Australian Nick Kyrgios, but won the doubles with his brother Mischa.

- Zverev more aggressive -

This time, despite a strong start from Tsitsipas, who led 3-0, Zverev quickly recovered to win the first set 6-4, relying on his powerful serve (14 aces in total) and readjusting his ground game, erasing the unforced errors that plagued his start.

The second set was more indecisive, with both players winning their service games, until Zverev, the No.2 seed, managed to break to lead 5-4. He came within two points of the match at 30-30, but his rival hung on and was able to take his serve from him, on a double fault by the German.

On the way to a comeback, the Greek in turn missed the chance to level the match at 6-5, missing a set point. And in the tie-break, Zverev tightened his game again and put aside his frustration at not being able to finish earlier, winning 7-3, rewarded for his aggressive play.

Tsitsipas, a semifinalist at the last Australian Open, was disappointed and will now wait to win his sixth Tour title. Perhaps in Miami in a fortnight time, where he too will be one of the men to beat.