Acapulco shock: Kypson topples defending champion De Minaur
Patrick Kypson delivered the ultimate “shocker” at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, ousting two-time defending champion and world No. 6 Alex de Minaur (6-1, 6-7, 7-6).
Patrick Kympson, 2026 | © Luis Revilla Mata/ZUMA Press Wire/SIPA
In a performance that defied the rankings, world No. 103 Patrick Kypson delivered the ultimate “shocker” at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel, ousting two-time defending champion and world No. 6 Alex de Minaur. The American qualifier neutralized the Rotterdam champion in a grueling two-hour, 41-minute battle, prevailing 6-1, 6-7(4), 7-6(4).
The upset appeared imminent early as Kypson stormed to a 6-1 lead, leaving a flat De Minaur with just three points in the first four games. Despite a spirited comeback from the Australian – who served for the match at 5-4 in the decider – Kypson remained composed. He broke back to force a tiebreak, where he held his nerve to secure his first-ever Top 10 victory.
“It feels amazing,” Kypson said. “Everything was important. I had to serve well. I had to return well. I hit my forehand really big. Luckily, I was able to do those things for a pretty extended period of time. (Staying calm and composed) does not come naturally to me. That’s probably one of the hardest parts of playing the sport, just keeping it together.
Who is Patrick Kypson?
The 26-year-old American is currently enjoying a career-high ranking of No. 103. A former standout at Texas A&M and the 2017 USTA Boys’ 18s National Champion, Kypson’s professional trajectory was long hampered by injuries. However, 2025 proved to be his breakout year on the Challenger circuit, where he captured four titles (including Bogotá and Helsinki) to knock on the door of the Top 100.
This victory marks Kypson’s first ATP Tour-level win in two years and undeniably the biggest result of his career. Having survived a rigorous qualifying draw in Acapulco, his match-toughness was on full display. For De Minaur, the defeat ends a dominant run in Mexico and deals a significant blow to his ranking as he heads into the Sunshine Double with 500 points dropping from his tally.
He will have a spot in the Top 100 next week. In the second round, he will face Brandon Nakashima, who eased to a 6-3, 6-4 win against Elias Ymer.
Based on the draws and results for today, Tuesday, February 24, 2026, here are the matches and scores in order of the draw for the two active tournaments.
Abierto Mexicano Telcel (Acapulco), 1ST ROUND
A. Zverev (1) – C. Moutet: Tuesday (to be played)
M. Kecmanovic – T. Schoolkate: 6-2, 6-2
T. Atmane – G. Dimitrov: Tuesday (to be played)
C. Norrie (7) – R. Jodar (WC): Tuesday (to be played)
C. Ruud (3) – Y. Wu (Q): Tuesday (to be played)
A. Mannarino – S. Shimabukuro (Q): Tuesday (to be played)
J. Duckworth – D. Svrcina: Tuesday (to be played)
F. Cobolli (5) – R. Pacheco Mendez (WC): Tuesday (to be played)
F. Tiafoe (8) – N. Borges: Tuesday (to be played)
A. Kovacevic – A. Walton: 7-5, 7-6[2]
M. Bellucci – R. Hijikata (LL): Tuesday (to be played)
A. Davidovich Fokina (4) – D. Altmaier: 7-5, 6-3
V. Vacherot (6) – C. Wong (LL): 6-3, 6-2
G. Monfils (WC) – D. Dzumhur: Tuesday (to be played)
B. Nakashima – E. Ymer (Q): 6-3, 6-4
P. Kypson (Q) – A. de Minaur (2): 6-1, 7-5
