Rodrigo Pacheco Méndez made headlines at the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis in Acapulco on February 25, 2025, by achieving a remarkable victory over Australian player Aleksandar Vukic. The tennis match, which took place at the GNP Seguros Arena, turned out to be both thrilling and historic as the 19-year-old Pacheco vanquished Vukic, who was ranked 62nd globally, marking his first ATP main draw win.
The electrifying atmosphere was palpable, with fans fervently chanting “¡Sí se puede! ¡Sí se pudo!” and singing the traditional Mexican song Cielito Lindo as Pacheco found his rhythm on the court. After three hours of grueling play, Pacheco triumphed with scores of 7-5, 4-6, and 7-6, sealing his place in the next round. This victory not only showcased his resilience and skill but also made him the first Mexican player to defeat someone ranked within the ATP Top 100 this century.
The match began with Pacheco showing great agility and determination as he took the first set 7-5, demonstrating his capacity to compete at the highest level. Despite Vukic bouncing back to win the second set 6-4, Pacheco remained unfazed. This attitude shone through during the final set, which culminated in a nail-biting tiebreaker where Pacheco secured the winning point, falling to the ground in celebration.
“Aquí estoy,” declared Eduardo Varela, a prominent sports analyst, emphasizing the significant moment for Pacheco as he announced his presence firmly on the tennis scene. The fans at the arena celebrated Pacheco’s courageous performance, instilling hope for the future of Mexican tennis.
Pacheco’s historic win carries immense symbolic value. The last time a Mexican defeated a player in the ATP Top 100 was back during the 1998 tournament when Alex Hernández took down Guillermo Cañas, with Leo Lavalle also clinching victory over Alberto Berástegui. The road to success was not easy; Pacheco had faced many challenges earlier this season, having entered the competition on a wildcard after struggling with more losses than victories.
The bright prospect of Pacheco’s career continues as he heads to the Round of 16, where he is set to confront Casper Ruud, currently ranked fifth. Ruud recently triumphed over French player Arthur Rinderknech with scores of 6-4 and 6-3, adding to his own impressive record this season.
Pacheco's rise is more than just personal triumph; it signifies the revival of Mexican tennis. After more than a decade, he is the only Mexican to reach this stage at the Abierto Mexicano, with the last being Santiago González back in 2011.
The emotional victory has reverberated through the Mexican sports community, and many are eager to see how Pacheco performs against one of the tournament favorites, Ruud. With the grit and tenacity he displayed against Vukic, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Pacheco can continue to defy the odds and blaze his own trail on the ATP circuit.
Roaring crowds and unprecedented media attention suggest a bright future for the Yucatecan tennis star as he gears up for the challenges ahead. This pivotal victory could be the beginning of something monumental for both Pacheco and Mexican tennis.