Acapulco, Gro. February 25th.- Although Wawrinka wasn’t among the main seeds of the tournament, he showed the public that he is a candidate to fight for the title of Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, by defeating in two sets the American Ryan Harrison, who came from the qualification tournament.

From the beginning of the match, Wawrinka imposed himself by breaking his opponent’s service in the first game, which was enough to take the first set in 36 minutes, he scored 5 aces.

In the second set, he broke again, but Harrison reacted to tie the score 4-4, forcing the set to tiebreak. This time, the Swiss showed off his powerful service (with an impressive 92 percent of points earned with the first service), his spectacular forehand and his beautiful one-handed backhand. The match’s final score was 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Stan, was out of the courts for several months, due to injuries and surgical interventions, he is currently no. 42 of the ATP ranking, but has started to rise step by step to his prior level. A few weeks back he played the final in Rotterdam, where he was defeated by Gael Monfils.

“I feel wonderful after three months of problems, I return here this year and since I arrived I started to practice, people have received me very well, I love playing here”, said the Swiss.

The 33-year-old Swiss tennis player, winner of three grand slam titles, will face on the second round, Steve Johnson, who defeated Gerardo Lopez on his way to the second round.

Acapulco, Gro., february 25th.- John Millman, got his ticket to the second round of Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, after defeating the Spaniard Marcel Granollers by 6-3 and 6-4, now he will face Peter Gojowczyk, who defeated Federico Gaio in three (5-7, 6-4, 6-4), who got to the main draw after the qualification tournament.
Millman, the man who defeated Roger Federer in the 2018 US Open, played his opponent form one side of the court to the other. In the fourth game of the first set, the changes paid off, he broke Granoller’s service and took the score to 3-1. That advantage was enough to keep the set.

The second set had a tough start for the Spaniard, who tried to change his game, some of the adjustments paid off. But Millman was paying attention to the adjustments his rival made and broke his service to take a 1-0 advantage, then he broke for the second time, but in this occasion, he had to work a little harder to accomplish it.

Millman looked confident and took Granoller’s service again (3-0), this shook him off and in the fourth game, with a break point against, the Australian crashed the ball into the net.
It seemed that this break would allow Millman to be calmer, but Granollers leveled up and in the eighth game got another break to tie the score (4-4). In the end Millman´s effectivity was better which allowed him to secure his ticket to the second round of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Gojowczyk had a very close match with the qualifier Gaio, who took the first set, in which he won 70 percent of the points played with the first service. The German leveled the match and after almost two hours he was able to turn the score to secure himself in the second round.

In the men doubles, the Spaniards Feliciano and Marc López defeated Marcus Daniell and Wesley Koolhof bye a double 6-4.

Acapulco, Gro., 25 de febrero .- Mischa Zverev may not have as much of attention as his younger brother, but he is without a question a key piece in Sascha’s life, the entire family is always traveling together around the world.

The Zverev will be playing at Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC in both categories, singles and doubles, they promise to give their best tennis.

Mischa points out this week as “special”, he likes to play in Acapulco, where he can taste different Mexican food, even if it is spicy. Although he will make his debut against the favorite, Rafael Nadal, his mind is set to enjoy the game as much as possible. “Nadal plays great tennis, it is certainly difficult to beat him, when he is in good shape, he is one of the most complicated rivals”, he said.

“For me it’s a beautiful week, I always travel with my family, but here we have this beautiful place that offers you the beach, which is very lovely and that makes it different.”

Regarding the possibility of staying as a partner with his brother throughout the season, he said that will depend on the results they get, “we enjoyed playing together, we did a couple of finals last year [Basel and Halle] and we will do our best in the match”. In 2017 they won Montpellier and played the final in Halle, in 2016 they were finalists in Montpellier and in 2015 they disputed the title in Munich.

In Abierto Mexicano Telcel, presented by HSBC, they will face in the first round the duo integrated by the Mexican Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela and the American Nicholas Monroe.

Hours before, the Zverev family enjoyed one of the most beautiful views in the port of Acapulco, from the Peninsula restaurant, where all of them took pictures together, including Lovik, the poodle dog owned by Alexander, and Olya Sharypova, Alexander’s girlfriend.

Acapulco, Gro., February 25th.- Gerardo López Villaseñor left behind his fears to debut at Abierto Mexicano Telcel, presented by HSBC. He entered the main draw with a wild card and faced his match against Steve Johnson at Caliente Grand Stand.

A set down, with his service and 5-6 in the second set, Lopez was 15-40, but he managed to save a break point, but couldn’t do the same with the second one and Johnson won the match with a double 7-5, after one hour fifty minutes. However, we must recognize the difference in the rankings being Johnson no. 36 and Lopez no. 552, this wasn’t obvious, Lopez gave a great tennis match.

“It’s the first time I play here, I gave it all, although it couldn’t do anything else. I lack experience, I need to participate in more events of this level, and over time if I continue like this, I can have better results”, said the native of Puerto Vallarta.

Gerardo keep a close fight with Johnson, who had some problems with his first serve (46 percent effective), but he won 72 percent of the points when he connected his service.

But the Mexican was not willing to give victory so easily; he adjusted his drive and made it almost impossible for the American to return it. He entered the court with great confidence, but later admitted that he was very nervous. “The mind is playing for you, you have to believe and when you are in the court everything can happen. In the end the nerves won a bit in the last game of each set “, admitted Lopez.
Gerardo also talked about what he thinks he is missing to have better results in tournaments like Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC. “I believe this generation of Mexican tennis players is missing something, I hope to find what it is, focus on giving everything and start believing in what I am capable”.

Acapulco, Gro.- As a part of the recreational activities of the XXVI AMT edition, Sloane Stephens and Alexander Zverev enjoyed the view of puerto Marques from the Xtasea platform, the longest over the sea zipline.

Sascha, no. 3 in the ATP ranking, and Stephens, no. 4 in the WTA ranking, tested their courage by being suspended 23 mts in the air and flying thru 1,810 mts across the bay.

Raul Zurutuza and both players symbolically launched the event. Raul thanked the public administration of Acapulco and the state the support they have always give the organization to keep the tournament as the best one in Latin America.

Among the personalities and officials who gathered for this event, were Ernesto Rodríguez Escalona, state secretary of tourism, Undersecretary Noé Peralta Herrera and Seyed Rezvani, general director of Mundo Imperial.

“We had a great start, two days of a very intense qualification round; for Mexican tennis it was a very good weekend, with several victories of the girls, and we are ready to start the day today with the main draw of the 26th edition “, Raúl Zurutuza said.

To close the activity Zverev and Stephens played in a mini court in front of one of the best views of Acapulco in the restaurant Peninsula

“I am very happy to be here, it was really windy, but it was super exciting, and I am ready to start playing the tournament”, said Sloane (2016 champion).

“It has been amazing since I got here last wednesday, I am happy with how I was welcomed, the weather, I hope to be here until the end of the tournament” stated Sascha Zverev.

The young German player will face, on the first round, the also young Australian player Alexei Popyrin (no. 124 in the ATP, who got a ticket to the main draw on the qualifying round.

On the women side, Stephens will first face Pauline Parmentier, currently no. 53 of the WTA ranking.

Acapulco, Gro., February 24th .- Victoria Rodríguez and Guiliana Olmos, made the Mexican fans believe, for a moment, that two or even three locals where getting the tickets to the main draw to be alongside Renata Zarazúa , but they were finally eliminated from the qualifying round, losing in two exciting and dramatic matches.

Giuliana Olmos fell in three sets against Beatriz Haddad Maia, who obtained the ticket for the main draw in Acapulco.

Olmos, number 368 of the WTA, had a weak start and with many unforced errors she let the first set pass, however, during the second set she leveled up and took advantage of her rivals apparent injury, she came back to life and with the fans support she took the second set.

After winning the second set and taking a 2-0 advantage in the third, everything seemed in favor for the Mexican, but Giuiliana could not maintain the pace, which allowed a comeback of the Brazilian player who won five games in a row. With spectacular shots, Beatriz Haddad, took the last set with a final score of 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3, in a 2 hours and 41 minutes match.

Later, Victoria Rodríguez, had a tough match against Corry Perrin, who defeated her in three sets in a match full of drama. The Mexican won the first set, but at the end of the second set, she suffered a strong injury in the left leg that slowed her down; visibly diminished physically, but with a big heart, she had a match point in favor in the tiebreak, but she could not close the match and lost that second set, after which she requested time to go to the bathroom, with many difficulties to walk.

After several minutes of waiting, Victoria returned to continue the fight for the ticket to the main draw, however, her discomforts did not allow her to play as usual, so she was defeated with final score 4-6, 7-6 (8) and 6-2.

The third Mexican who had activity on the last day of the qualification was Ana Sofía Sánchez, who had no choice against the 2014 finalist, Christina McHale from the United States, which in two sets ended the dreams of the Mexican player , which she defeated with a final score of 6-3 and 7-6 (3).

Other players who secured their place in the main draw of the AMT, are the Romanian Irina Bara, who won in three sets to the Czech Tereza Martincova, in a tough game that was defined in tiebreak of the third set ( 3-6 , 6-2 and 7-6 (5)). Varvara Flink, also advanced coming from behind to defeat her compatriot Sofya Zhuk, by 4-6, 7-5 and 6-2.

In the men’s category the Spaniards, Marcel Granollers defeated to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, with final score 6-4, 3-6 and 6-1. The Italian Federico Gaio needed three sets to secure his ticket against Emilio Gomez, 6-1, 4-6 and 7-6 (6).

The American Ryan Harrison showed his quality and experience in the AMT, to defeat without major issues Adrián Menéndez-Maceiras, in two sets by 6-2 and 6-4. Finally, the Australian Alexei Popyrin, obtained his spot without playing due to the withdraw of Bernard Tomic.

In men’s doubles, the Germans Peter Gojowczyk and Kevin Krawietz, got the only available ticket after defeating the couple of the Mexican Hans Hach Verdugo and the Croatian Ante Pavic, who lost in two (7-5 and 6-4).

Acapulco, Gro., February 24th .- It was a great day for the little fans at Kids Day.

The kids had the opportunity to top play with some ATP and WTA players and meet the Paw Patrols, and for the parents the DJ’s Natalia and Esther with a music number, also Luis Fonsi pleased the public singing a verse of Despacito.

Fonsi, who was the afternoon surprise, grabbed a racket and along side Monica Puig played against Stan Wawrinka and the DJs. A few moments earlier Natalia played the violin while Esther mixed it for an original music number.

Although the winners were the Puerto Ricans, everybody had fun while trying to give a great show. The public showed Ferrer the love they have for him, with a standing ovation when he entered the stadium.

The Spaniard paired up with Johana Konta top lay a mini tennis match against Feliciano and Danielle Collins.

Feli and Danielle won the encounter, but the true winners were the assistants to the event.

Some other invited to the event were Nick Kyrgios, Sam Querrey, Steve Johson, Alex de Miñaur, Dona Vekic, Renata Zarazúa and Emilio Nava, who paired up with some of the kids invited.

Other stars among the more than 180 kids from DIF Acapulco were Alexander Zverev, Victoria Azarenka y Diego Schwartzman, they demonstrate their good shape by running around the in a Tennis carrousel.

When they left the stadium, everyone gave autographs among the attendants, who with huge tennis balls in their hands shouted to their idols. Nick Kyrgios was one of the most recognized and pleased all the children who requested his autograph or selfies.

But the organization prepared one more surprise to close the event; the stadium exploded with applauses when they saw the great favorite, Rafael Nadal enter the stadium.

Rafa exchanged some words with Fonsi and gave autographs, before going to prepare to return to the stadium, but now to train, leaving the atmosphere in effervescence.

Acapulco, Gro., February 24th .- If Frances Tiafoe could change anything in the world, he would end the confrontation between countries and he will seek world peace. He defines himself as a humble and nice guy. He is a diamond for his father, who worked in the mines of Sierra Leona.

Tiafoe walks thru the facilities of the hotel and tournament looking relaxed. He takes pictures with the fans. He walks smiling to everyone and hugs the people he knows. Definitely he has a great charisma. He likes the tournament because, “you have everything within reach and the fans are great”.

He enjoys the contact with the fans, he always gives show and loud celebrations. Among his fans there is always his family.

This American jewel, number 29 in the world ranking, knows that the best is yet to come. This year his goal is to be at the Top 15 of the world ranking. He will debut in Abierto Mexicano Telcel presented by HSBC against the Australin Jordan Thompson (number 68 in the ranking).

He admits he hasn’t reached his full potential yet, “I´ve never thought to get where I am now, for me it is really special to be able to help my family” he admits.

He considers that the begging of the tournament will be tough, although he hopes to play great tennis, especially after his great performance at the Australian Open, where he reached the quarterfinals, in which he lost to Rafael Nadal.

“I had some incredible weeks and today I feel very happy to play in a big event again, face great opponents, because that raises my level; I think now they’re going to try to play better against me”, admits the winner of Delray Beach in 2018.

His biggest dream, like that of almost every tennis player, is to win a Grand Slam tournament and specially winning the US Open for me would be incredible for him.

Nothing simple to achieve, due to this generation quality of players. “It’s hard to maintain the level, but when you see your opponents you know that you must work day by day to achieve it. But today I know I can fight against great players and beat them”, he says.

His peculiar way celebration on the court is part of his personality, “I’m definitely very noisy, a simple guy who likes the crowds to support him on the court.”

This week he wants to show the Mexican fans that he can be among the best, that he has the qualities to achieve it and put American tennis back at the top.

With great success and enthusiasm, the first edition of the “10K Tennis Run” had place this morning. With 2000 runners, they gathered in the facilities of Princess Mundo Imperial since the early hours of the morning.

The event is part of the celebration of the XXVI edition, with the option to run 10 and 5 kilometers in a free category from 15 to 99 years, in both men and women. There was also the family walk of 3 kilometers and the children categories.

At 6:55, those present sang the Mexican National Anthem, and at 7:00 am, Noé Peralta, undersecretary of tourism, on behalf of Governor Héctor Astudillo Flores, oversaw the countdown to start the race.

The participants were divided into categories, at 7:05 hrs the 5-kilometer runners started and at 7:30 am the 3-kilometer recreational walk began, while the children had their competitions at 9:00 am, once the award ceremony was held, Feliciano Lopez was the main in charge to deliver the trophies and congratulate the effort of the winners of the different categories.

Through the famous Zona Diamante and taking advantage of the pleasant atmosphere among the participants, despite the high degree of humidity, the winner of the race in the 10 kilometers, was the local runner, Omar de la Cruz Vázquez with the number 479, who covered the distance in 33 minutes and 45 seconds.

In second place Fredy Alejandro Chávez Orozco, crossed the finish line in 34.13 minutes, leaving the third position for the French Gilles Gautier Clermont, who ended in 39:48 minutes.

In the women’s section, the absolute winner was Andrea Ramírez Limón, number 340, who entered the finish line 37:08 minutes after she started, almost 7 and a half minutes later Carmen Azucena Villalobos, obtained the second place, while the third place went to María Fernanda Montalvo, who reached the finish line at 45:01 minutes.

In the 5 kilometers, the winner was Eder Zaulica Magaña, number 1361, with a time of 19:44 minutes. The podium was completed by José Luis Ayala Bueno with 19:48 and Héctor Juárez Amador, with 20:01, respectively.

In women 5 kilometers, Mariana Castañeiras Guitiérrez crossed the finish line at 23:27 minutes, followed by Monik Skwierzynska with 27:54 and María Fernanda García, with 28:31.

This way, the “10K Tennis Run” race, fulfilled one of its objectives, which is to encourage the practice of sports, so it is expected, this is the beginning of a tradition, for all the runner community.