Austria’s Dominic Thiem avoided a potentially tricky second round clash with Denis Shapovalov by brushing aside the Canadian 6-2, 6-3.
The second seed was impressive on his serve throughout the encounter as he dropped just 10 points behind it without facing a single break point. Thiem, who is bidding to win his second title of the season, also benefited from 20 unforced errors from his opponent.
“There are very good players in the tournament, today I was able to finish the game very well, I am happy to win over Shapovalov and continue to the next round,” said Thiem.
Thiem’s one-sided triumph has surprised some given the credential of his rival. Shapovalov entered that match fresh off reaching the semifinals at Delray Beach. The second ATP semifinal of his career.
“I’m very happy because… everybody knows how good he can play and how dangerous he is, but I kept him kind of down from the first point on, and it was really good,” Thiem said. “I was really on from the first point… Today was almost perfect.”
Awaiting the Austrian in the quarterfinals will be former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro. The world No.9 outlasted the so-called ‘king of Acapulco’ David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Ferrer is the only player to have ever won the tournament on four separate occasions.
“I’m very tired, I ran a lot, it was a tremendous game, David is a rival who never gives up, now to think about tomorrow’s match, Thiem is one of the favourites and I will try to do my best,” said Del Potro.
Thiem has never defeated del Potro on the tour, losing their in their three previous encounters.
Elsewhere at the tournament, Alexander Zverev has secured a place in his first quarter-final of 2018. The German edged his way past compatriot Peter Gojowczyk 7-6(6), 6-3. Zverev saved eight out of the nine break points he faced and converted two of his own.
“The first set was very tough, but I played with confidence and after winning the tie-break I was able to do things better,” said Zverev, who will take on Ryan Harrison next.
South Korea’s Hyeon Chung was another player to post an emphatic win in Mexico. Taking on Ernesto Escobedo, he surged to a 6-3, 6-1, win in just over an hour. Chung, who reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, will take on Kevin Anderson next.
