Patrick Kypson shocks two-time champion Alex De Minaur in Acapulco opener | ATP tour | Tennis

Acapulco

Kypson shocks two-time champion De Minaur in Acapulco opener

Nakshima and Davidovich Fokina are making progress
February 24, 2026

Patrick Kypson scored the biggest win of his career on Monday at HSBC’s presentation of Abierto Mexicano Telcel, shocking second seed Alex de Minaur 6-1, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) to reach the second round in Acapulco. With the victory, the American recorded his first victory at tour level since Indian Wells in 2024.

De Minaur participated in his first tournament since claiming the Rotterdam crown two weeks ago. The last two times he competed in Acapulco, he left as champion, having captured back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024. In stark contrast, Kypson had only three tour-level wins, all coming in 2024.

“It feels great,” Kypson said. “Everything was important. I had to serve well. I had to return well. I hit very hard with my forehand. Luckily I was able to do those things for quite a long period of time.”

Kypson was two points away from defeat when De Minaur served for the match at 5-4 in the decider. But the American qualifier held on to force the tiebreak and earn a hard-fought victory in two hours and 39 minutes. According to Infosys ATP Stats, he won 71 percent (48/68) of his first serve points and converted three of the five break points he faced.

“[Staying calm and composed] That doesn’t come naturally to me,” Kypson said. “That’s probably one of the hardest parts of playing the sport, just keeping it together.”

The 26-year-old has risen seven places to number 93 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. The former Texas A&M University star was part of a six-way tie for the most titles won at ATP Challenger level in 2025, with four. In the second round he will face Brandon Nakashima, who recorded a 6-3, 6-4 victory against Elias Ymer.

In other first-round action, 2025 finalist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina launched his Acapulco campaign with an outright victory. The Spaniard passed Daniel Altmaier 7-5, 6-3 in one hour and 34 minutes.

Davidovich Fokina will face Rinky Hijikata or Mattia Bellucci in the second round.