The stellar first round match went in favor of the Australian after almost 3 hours of play.

Los Cabos, August 2, 2022.- An early morning victory by Thanasi Kokkinakis closed the activity at the stadium during the second day of maiden main draw duels at the 6th edition of the Mifel Tennis Open. The Australian started solidly during a duel that ended 6-3, 6(5)-7, 6-2 in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

The world No. 75 confessed that he suffered frustration in the match as he could have finished it before midnight, however it went on until almost 2 a.m. in Los Cabos. Kokkinakis, who won his first singles title in Adelaide this 2022, returned to Los Cabos as a slight favorite in his first duel and ended up gaining the confidence he has obtained in the best year of his career at 26 and overcoming frustration.

“I love playing in front of the Mexican fans, tomorrow will be a tough match” he said at the end of the match. After suffering years with injuries that prevented him from the performance expected of him, Kokkinakis is favorite to advance in his second round duel against American Steve Johnson. At the same bottom of the draw lies a possible match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

In less than 30 minutes the first set lead was already considerable, although the Spaniard showed flashes of the talent that made him World No. 7 in 2009 until he managed to break the Australian in the second set and force a tie break. In the only previous meeting between the two, Verdasco had beaten Kokkinakis at the 2018 Miami Masters, but in the end the Australian’s good momentum was in evidence.

The sixth seed in Los Cabos comes from winning the Atlanta Open in men’s doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios, the duo’s second title after surprising at the home Grand Slam at the Australian Open. The strength of his first serve was key in winning the first set, although Verdasco boasted a 77% efficiency in the second.

Verdasco’s days on the tour are numbered. At 38 years old and ranked 125th in the world, he is enjoying the last stages of his career after injuries in recent years, although he confesses to have the motivation to still play a surprise tournament. In Los Cabos it was complicated due to the talent present in the main draw and despite having seven singles titles in his career, the draw placed him with one of the most complicated opponents in the first round.

This Tuesday the first round of the singles tournament of the Mifel 2022 Tennis Open being played at the Cabo Sport Complex was completed.

INDIVIDUALS

Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) defeats Fernando Verdasco (ESP) 6-3, (5)6-7, 6-2
Alex Hernandez (MEX) defeats (LL) Nicolas Barrientos 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
Brandon Nakashima (USA) defeats Kaichi Uchida (JPN) 7-6 (1), 6-2
Facundo Bagnis (ARG) to Ernesto Escobedo (USA) 6-1, 6-3
Radu Albot (MDA) to Feliciano Lopez (ESP) by 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3
Steve Johnson (USA) to (LL) Gonzalo Villanueva (ARG) by 7-6(1), 6-4
Jason Kubler (AUS) to Martin Etcheverry (ARG) by (4) 6-7, 6-3, 6-1
Jordan Thompson (AUS) to Yannick Hanfmann (BEL) 6-3, 6-0

DOUBLES

Santiago Gonzalez (MEX) / Andres Molteni (ARG) defeat Radu Albot (MDA)/
Ricardas Berankis (LTU) by 2-6,6-2, 10-6
Nicolás Barrientos (COL) / Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela (MEX) to Max Schnur (USA) / John-Patrick Smith (AUS) by 6-4, 7-6 (5)
Martin Etcheverry (ARG) / Chun-Hsin Tseng (TPE) to Fabrice Martin (FRA) / Franko Skugor (CRO) 3-6, 6-3, 12-10
Raven Klaasen (RSA) / Marcelo Melo (BRA) defeat Sander Gille (BEL) / Joran Vliegen (BEL) 7-6 (4), 6-4

• The Mexican will play against Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second round.

Los Cabos, August 2nd, 2022.– Mexican Alex Hernández entered the book of records of the Mifel Tennis Open, by signing up as the first Mexican to advance to the second round of the tournament held since 2016 in singles.

Hernández, with only 23, beat Colombian Nicolás Barrientos 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in just two hours and 20 minutes in an exciting match that opened the activity at the main stadium of the Cabo Sport Complex.

In his debut at the ATP 250 of Los Cabos, the Mexican won a match in which he went from less to more against Barrientos, who reached the main draw as lucky loser.

“I still have a lot of emotions, it’s something I still have to digest. I dreamed it since I was a kid and I’m achieving it,” said Hernández after the victory, so far the most important of his career.

“I’ve battled, it’s been a long career and I’m still fighting every day. The public helped me a lot. They helped my confidence, I’m very grateful to them for pushing me to go one step further,” he added.

With his victory, Hernández broke a streak of 26 consecutive losses by Mexicans in ATP Tour and Grand Slam singles matches after the match between Mexicans Santiago González and Daniel Garza played in the first round of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco in 2011.

In the second round, the Mexican will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, world No. 9 and second seed. The Mexican came from behind in a match that seemed more than impossible after the first set.

With his victory, Hernández broke a 22-year streak, since the last time a Mexican won an ATP match against a player not born in Mexico in 2000, when Alejandro Hernández defeated Italian Laurence Tieleman in Mexico City

-Coming from the qualifiers, Hijikata and Purcell are in the second round

Los Cabos, August 1st, 2022.- Australians Rinky Hijikata and Max Purcell advanced to the second round of the Mifel Tennis Open by winning their respective matches; Mexico’s Rodrigo Pacheco (withdraw in the 2nd set) and Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen.

Hijikata advanced (6-3 and 4-0) with a retired Mexican Rodrigo Pacheco, who suffered a hand injury after a fall 3 days prior, taking it`s toll on court today.

With his win, the Australian earned the right to face world No. 1, Russian Daniil Medvedev.

After a 2 hour match, Purcell defeated Switzerland’s Henri Laaksonen in 3 sets, 6-3, 3-6 & 6-4 being the longest match of the day.

Winner will face the winner of the match between Japan’s Kaichi Uchida and American (US) Brandon Nakashima.

In other singles matches; Lithuanian Ricardas Berankis wins over Frenchman Quentin Halys 7-6 (1) and 7-5, while the Chinese Taipei’s Chun-Hsin Tseng wins over the American (US) Nick Chapell 6-4, 6-4.

On the second round, Berankis will face the winner of Tuesday’s match between Argentine Facundo Bagnis and American (US)Ernesto Escobedo, while Chun-Hsin Tseng will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie, world No. 12 and defending champion.

In double; American (US) William Blumberg & Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic defeated 3-6, 6-3 and 10-8 the Americans (US) Nathaniel Lemmons and Jackson Withrow by 7-6 (10) and 6-4.

This Tuesday the first round of singles will be completed with eight matches. The star match will be between the Spanish Fernando Verdasco and the Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis. In addition, the Mexican Alex Hernández will face the Australian John Millman. There will also be other 4 doubles matches,
one of them with the Mexican Miguel Ángel Reyes Varela

Los Cabos August 1st, 2022.- Mexican Rodrigo Pacheco had to withdraw for medical reasons in what was his first participation in the main draw of an ATP tour tournament.

The 17-year-old was solid on his side of the court and defense, but lacked power in his strokes to overcome the speed shown by the Australian Rinky Hijikata, the 224th rank in the world. After his withdrawal, he explained the main reason; three days ago he had a fall in the hotel and started to feel a
small discomfort in his hand.

“Before the match started I didn’t know whether to go in or not because of the discomfort in my hand, but the chance to go in was something unbelievable. I was in pain but I endured it as my team and I had a good treatment before the game, a few massages and everything to keep the swelling down. If I wasn’t enjoying it it’s not fair to me.”

After receiving one of the wild cards, Rodrigo said he felt excited and grateful for the opportunity and although he didn`t show any nerves on the court, his injury did not allow him to show his talent against a player who at 21 has more experience than the Mexican. With this victory Hijikata already has two
games of advantage over Pacheco, as they had previously met in the Challenger of Morelos.

Pacheco had lost the first set 6-3 and was down 0-4 in the second set, when he asked for the withdraw. “90% of the people would be afraid to enter a court if they are not in their best shape but I don’t want to be like that, as long as there is a chance I want to face it and learn from it. I know I’m on the right track and I wanted to show everyone my playing skills and gamet, it’s been very tough. I take away deep learnings, humbleness and mixed feelings of happiness with a bit of sadness. I know I can give much more.

The most outstanding players of the 6th edition shared their impressions of the new Cabo Sports Complex and confess what they enjoy most about Mexico.

Los Cabos, August 1st, 2022.- Passions, hobbies, goals and legacies, the media day of the Mifel Tennis Open left surprising statements from the protagonists, who highlighted their first impressions of the new Cabo Sports Complex (CSC) and how much they have enjoyed the destination of Los Cabos.

Since his time in Acapulco, British Cameron Norrie (No. 12) had commented that the Pacific Sea is his favorite and for that same reason, Los Cabos is a destination that means a lot to him, since, it was here that he won his first title in 2021.

“I love the beach, I was trying to surf today and coming back to Mexico is good, I know they love tennis. It’s a special place for me because here I won my first tournament last year, I love the playing conditions. The court is fast and it suits my game. It’s good to be back and I came early today to try and get ready to defend my title, I hope to play at the same level. This is one of my favorite parts of the year,” said Norrie.

On the other hand, the Russian Daniil Medvedev, who assured that reaching No. 1 in the ATP ranking is the highlight of his year, and also revealed the reason why he preferred to attend this week’s ATC.

“I definitely love the beaches and the weather. Its my second time in Mexico, happy to be able come back for many years, you never know. There are many tournaments on the tour, but I always want to visit new places and enjoy new countries; it’s a new city and I wanted to experience something new. I think it’s a strong tournament, especially considering there is a ATP 500 in the United States, so it’s not easy to have the best players. I am enjoying staying here but the main focus is tennis. Let’s hope everyone is ready. The new complex has everything we need, I like it, looks great, it feels like being in the desert, the stadium is very big”, said Medvedev.

Finally, another Top 10 player who attracts the most attention is the Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 9), who decided to return to live out a new experience in Mexican soil.

“The scenery is breath taking, a beautiful location to play a tournament, I’m just happy every time I discover a new place where I haven’t played, new fans, new week and so far its been great. I like Mexico, it’s not so far from where I’m from, we’re on the same continent. There is a lot of intensity from the crowd. Hopefully it will be full house all week, there are very good players participating and it’s not going to be easy, but I feel confident. I like to play under these conditions, fast and high rebounding, they are good for my game”, said the Canadian.

The top three seeds of the tournament will be in action this Wednesday in the third day of activities of the ATP 250 tournament in Los Cabos

Two Australians reach main draw tickets.

Los Cabos, July 31, 2022.

Australians Rinky Hijikata and Max Purcell reached two of the four tickets that the Qualifying Tournament gave to play in the main draw of the Mifel Tennis Open 2022 to be played from August 1 to 6 in Los Cabos.

The other two tickets to the main draw went to Japan’s Kaichi Uchida and Nick Chapell of the United States.

Hijikata beat Argentine Gonzalo Villanueva 6-4, 6-3, while Purcell defeated Serbian Pedja Krstin 6-4, 6-1.
Meanwhile, Chapell defeated Aziz Dougaz 7-5, 7-6 and Uchida won 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 against Colombian Nicolas Barrientos.

This Monday in the first day of the tournament, Mexican Rodrigo Pacheco will face Australian Hijikata and the winner will play in the second round against world No. 1, Russian Daniil Medvedev.

• A group of players enjoyed the traditional Children`s Day

Kids were able to learn secrets from the best after two years of restrictions due to the pandemic.

Los Cabos, July 31st, 2022.- Welcoming audiences back again after two years of restrictions due to COVID, meaning the return of the traditional Children´s Day at the Mifel Tennis Open. This edition not only celebrates the full opening of the Cabo Sports Complex (CSC), but it also graces one of it´s most exemplary events by allowing children to mingle and interact with the best tennis players in attendance to the tournament.

The players enjoyed the company of the youngest ATC 2022 attendees and as King of the Court ,shined in different ways in which the children were able to learn from the Russian some tricks in light of their sporting future.

Music, singing, dancing, sports and above all fun, were key ingredients that enhanced the evening in the main stadium, where some players like the American (US) Ernesto Escobedo, the Brazilian Marcelo Melo, the Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic and the Mexicans Miguel Angel Reyes Varela and Santiago Gonzalez came together to teach the competitiveness and healthy spirit that is required in this sport or any.

It all started with the “Racket Shoot” contest where giant rackets were placed on one side of the court so that each player, with the help the of a child chosen from the audience, had 30 seconds to accumulate points by shooting at the target.

The losing  side  or players had to perform a Tik Tok video which made the audience laugh. The kids were really excited to see the great players in Los Cabos.

Giant tennis balls took center stage in the grandstand where the most lucky ones left the court with their favorite autographs and where some young talents were able to show off their knowledge of the so called “white sport” in the King of the Court contest which served to challenge different opponents as a team.

Children´s Day is a key part of the community program that is promoted by the Mifel Tennis Open, which seeks thru out entertainment to develop children’s interest in sports and promotes physical activity

• The 17-year-old player is playing for the first time in the main draw of an ATP Tournament.

Los Cabos, July 31:

Mexican Rodrigo Pacheco, who this year reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros Junior, has a golden opportunity at the Mifel 2022 Tennis Open, which is being played this week in Los Cabos.

The results of the young Mexican have not gone unnoticed in Mexico and for Mextenis, which organizes the ATC, as they have seen of Rodrigo`s potential for Mexico to have a tennis player within the Top-100 in the coming years.

“I’m going to play my first main draw at the professional level and I think it’s an incredible opportunity” shared Pacheco with the Tournament this Sunday in which he offered interviews to the press where he also acknowledged that few players in the world receive these opportunities at 17 years.

“I’m very happy and excited for the support of Geoffrey Fernandez -Tournament Director- and to everyone who supported me to get here, I’m going to try to take evert advantage and enjoy it to the fullest”.

On Saturday, the draw placed Pacheco in the possibility of playing against the world No. 1, Russian Daniil Medevedev, top seed, but for that to happen, Pacheco will have to overcome the first round in which he will face a player coming from the qualifying round.

“This is something very new for me, but I think I’m ready for it even though I still lack a little bit of experience and competing more at this level, where the best in the world play.”

Although, he is young and with limited experience at the high level, Pacheco, who is coached by Mexican Alan Lemaitre, accepted that “sooner or later you have to get to compete against the best to realize what you need to improve”.

In addition, he said that in the near future he hopes to reach tournaments in Mexico, such as the Abierto Mexicano Telcel in Acapulco and the Mifel Tenis Open in Los Cabos, “being among the favorites and having a chance to be one of the players designated to win the tournament”.

Rodrigo considered that this opportunity comes at the best time “it is one of the steps that have to be taken and being now a junior level player, sooner or later, you have to move to the professional level”.

“It’s better to do it before many other players who are of age and that’s why I feel that now is the best time to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Pacheco.

On the Mexican’s calendar is scheduled the US Open, his fourth junior Grand Slam, then he will play other professional tournaments and next year is going to be his last at the junior level.

“I would like to play the Grand Slams and I would love to win one. I know I have many opportunities to do it and I am ready, but also the goal is to reach a higher rank on a professional level and make the final jump to professional,” he stated.

— This Sunday four tickets to be defined for the main draw.

Los Cabos, July the 30th, 2022.- The first day of the qualifiers in the 2022 Mifel Tennis Open, which will grant four tickets to the main draw, reports the elimination of the Mexicans Emilio Bravo and Luis Carlos Álvarez.

The Australian Max Purcell defeated Bravo 6-2, 6-1 and the Argentinian Gonzalo Villanueva defeated Álvarez 6-1, 6-2. It was a good experience for the Mexicans, whom despite their defeats demonstrated very good playing skills.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Matías Franco Descotte lost 6-1, 7-6 to the Tunisian Aziz Dougaz.

Colombian, Juan Sebastián Gómez was also eliminated, losing to the Australian, Rinky Hijikata 6-2, 6-3, but his compatriot Nicolás Barrientos managed to beat the Greek Michail Pervolarakis 6-3, 6-2.

In other results, the American (US) Nick Chappell defeated Frenchman Maxime Janvier 6-3, 6-4 and the Serbian Pedja Krstin defeated the American (US) Ulises Blanch 6-4, 6-2, finally the Japanese Kaichi Uchida managed to beat the Australian Matthew Ebden 6 -2 and 6-2.

With the second qualifying day and delivery of the four tickets to the main draw. The draw will finally be defined for the 6th edition of the ATP 250 that will take place at the Cabo Sports Complex (CSC).

— Sunday matches for the Qualifyers:
Gonzalo Villanueva (ARG) vs. Rinky Hijikata (AUS)
Nicolas Barrientos (COL) vs. Kaichi Uchida (JPN)
Max Purcell (AUS) vs. Pedja Krstin (SRB)
Nick Chappell (USA) vs. Aziz Dougaz (TUN