Mexico Open: Zverev, Thompson bow out in first round

At the Mexico Open on Tuesday, top seed Alexander Zverev faced an unexpected early exit as he was defeated by German compatriot Daniel Altmaier in a gripping three-set battle lasting 2 hours and 28 minutes.

After sharing the first two sets, Altmaier seized control in the third with an early break, securing a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Zverev struggled to capitalize on break opportunities, missing chances in the fifth and seventh games. Altmaier’s resilient performance sets up a second-round clash with Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic.

Adding to the drama, Australia’s Jordan Thompson, fresh off his first ATP title win at the Los Cabos Open, faced a setback in the first round, succumbing to American qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic in a thrilling 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 encounter lasting 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Kovacevic advances to face Danish second seed Holger Rune, who smoothly sailed through his first-round match against Michael Mmoh with a 6-2, 6-3 victory.

Elsewhere in the tournament, fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece showcased his prowess, defeating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-3, 6-4. Tsitsipas is now set to face Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli in the second round.

The sixth seed, Casper Ruud, rebounded from his recent loss in the Los Cabos final by overcoming Christopher Eubanks in a hard-fought three-set battle, securing a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 victory.

American eighth seed Frances Tiafoe staged a comeback after dropping the first set against Australia’s Max Purcell, ultimately dominating with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 win. Tiafoe’s next challenge is Germany’s Dominik Koepfer, who emerged victorious with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 triumph over France’s Terence Atmane.

As the Mexico Open unfolds, unexpected twists and intense competition set the stage for a captivating tournament ahead.