Zverev Faces Tien as Acapulco Second Round Matches Begin

ACAPULCO, Mexico — All eight second-round matches at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel will unfold on Wednesday, featuring top seed Alexander Zverev against American Learner Tien. Frances Tiafoe and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina are also in pursuit of quarterfinal spots.

Zverev, who is aiming for the No. 1 ranking for the first time this spring, faced challenges early on the Golden Swing, suffering quarterfinal losses in both Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. He looks to rebound in Acapulco, where he boasts a 14-4 record after defeating Matteo Arnaldi 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4 on Tuesday night. Zverev last won the Acapulco title in 2021 and was a finalist in 2019.

Wednesday’s match marks Zverev’s first meeting with Tien, who has recently emerged as a rising star on tour. Tien, 19, reached the runner-up spot at the NextGen ATP Finals and registered an upset against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open fourth round. He qualified for the Acapulco main draw and secured a second-round victory over Cameron Norrie, winning 7-6(5), 6-3 on Monday.

Tien, currently ranked 83rd in the world, faces a tough matchup as Zverev is undefeated in his last 28 encounters with left-handed players. “I’m excited for the challenge,” Tien said. “Zverev is a tough opponent, and I feel ready for it.”

In another anticipated clash, Frances Tiafoe will take on Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Davidovich Fokina has experienced a tumultuous season, having lost a double-championship point in the Delray Beach final to Miomir Kecmanovic but resiliently coming back to defeat Mattia Bellucci 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-2.

The Spaniard is currently 10-5 for the season, which included a fourth-round run at the Australian Open. Tiafoe, ranked 18th, holds a slight edge in their head-to-head series, leading 2-0. Their previous encounters showcased tight battles, with Tiafoe winning 7-6(5), 5-7, 7-5 in Estoril and 6-3, 7-6(6) at Cincinnati.

Tiafoe is looking to overcome his previous struggles in Acapulco, where he has only progressed past the second round once in six attempts. “I’m feeling strong right now,” Tiafoe said. “I know Alejandro will bring his best, but I’m ready to compete.”

This second round also features Tomas Machac, Holger Rune, and Casper Ruud, with Zverev viewed as a potential champion. His initial draw includes Tien, followed by possible matchups against either Machac or Daniel Altmaier, and then finalists like Rune or Ruud.

Fans are eager to see if Zverev can capitalize on this opportunity amid strong competition. With each match, the path to the title becomes clearer for the top contenders.