Rodrigo Pacheco made headlines this week at the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis by clinching his first ATP victory, defeating Aleksandar Vukic of Australia. The match, marked by intensity and resilience, saw Pacheco, ranked 356th, overcoming the higher-ranked Vukic, who stands at 66th. The young Mexican showed impressive skill and determination, finishing the contest with scores of 7-5, 4-6, and 7-6 (7-4).
Lasting more than three hours, the match truly qualified as a nail-biter, captivating fans at the GNP Grand Stand. Pacheco started strong, securing the first set after coming back from 0-40 down to break Vukic's serve, clinching it 7-5 and igniting cheers of “¡México, México!” from the packed crowd. This triumph was especially sweet for Pacheco, who had previously faced Vukic at the Abierto de los Cabos, losing the match.
Despite losing the set to Vukic's aggressive play, Pacheco didn’t falter. The second set showcased Vukic’s ability to capitalize on errors from Pacheco, giving him the momentum to take the set 6-4 and tie up the match. Fans, undeterred, remained vocal and supportive throughout, rallying behind their local hero.
Entering the third set, Pacheco displayed signs of fatigue but still maintained his competitive edge. He experienced a scare when he fell and hurt his arm, necessitating medical attention. Nevertheless, Pacheco pushed through the pain and led the match to a tie-break. Tension hung heavily in the air, but with every serve, the crowd grew more excited.
Holding match point, Pacheco executed a remarkable ace, sealing his victory and marking his place as the first Mexican player to advance past the first round of the tournament since Santiago González accomplished the feat in 2011. Fans erupted, and Pacheco collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by the moment, grasping the significance of this win for himself and for Mexican tennis.
Not only has Pacheco ended a 25-year wait for Mexican victories on this stage, but he also carries the hopes of the nation as he prepares to face Casper Ruud, the tournament's second seed. This match will undoubtedly test his skills and resolve as he steps onto the court with the energy of the crowd behind him.
His performance at the 2025 Abierto Mexicano de Tenis has sparked conversations around the potential of young Mexican talent and rejuvenated enthusiasm for tennis within the country. With skill, heart, and the passion of supporters, Pacheco has set the stage for what promises to be an exciting future.