ACAPULCO, Mexico (AP) — The 2025 ATP Mexican Open has been shaken up by unexpected withdrawals and thrilling upsets, leaving tennis enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. Among the standout performances, American teenager Learner Tien shocked the tennis world by defeating second-seeded Alexander Zverev 6-3, 6-4, marking his second victory over a top-five player. This 19-year-old prodigy from California is making waves as he progresses to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Following his impressive win against Zverev, Tien expressed his excitement about the match, stating, "I felt great on the court and really focused on my game plan. Every point mattered, and I’m thrilled to advance." This victory adds to Tien's remarkable start to 2025, having previously defeated Daniil Medvedev, the then fifth seed, at the Australian Open just months earlier.
Unfortunately, the tournament took a darker turn as illness struck several competitors. Holger Rune, the fourth seed, made headlines not for his match play but for his abrupt retirement just 15 minutes after starting against Brandon Nakashima. Rune, who had initially built some momentum by winning his opening round against Roberto Carballes Baena, cited food poisoning as the reason for his sudden exit.
On social media, Rune took to X to express his disappointment, saying, "Furious and so sad at the same time. Had food poisoning and was unable to play today. One of my favorite places is Mexico and I love this tournament. Absolutely not the way I wanted it to end." His heartfelt message highlighted not only his love for the tournament but also the physical toll illness can have on athletes.
Rune wasn’t alone in his struggles, as Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul also found themselves unable to compete due to stomach ailments. Ruud, the second seed and former champion, felt the repercussions of illness, leaving his match against Mexican player Rodrigo Pacheco and handing him the victory by default. Paul opted to withdraw before his scheduled match against Marcos Giron, giving Giron the walkover.
The staggering departure of top-ranked players led to mixed emotions among fans and organizers alike. The rapid consecution of such withdrawals raised questions about the health protocols and conditions at the tournament. Nevertheless, David Goffin capitalized on the uncertainty by defeating American Ben Shelton, who had narrowly escaped his previous match. Their encounters reflect the intense competition and the unpredictable nature of professional tennis.
Looking at the results, Tien's performance adds to the trend of younger players making their mark on the ATP circuit. His ability to win against seasoned opponents at such a young age places him alongside legendary players like Jimmy Connors, becoming only the second American to achieve such victories against top-five players early in their careers.
After Tien's triumph over Zverev, he is set to meet the eighth-seeded Tomas Machac, who advanced after defeating Daniel Altmaier 7-6 (3), 6-1. Tien’s growing confidence and persistence present yet another challenge for Machac as the tournament progresses.
Despite the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the withdrawals, the 2025 Mexican Open remains fraught with excitement, showcasing rising stars and unexpected champions. The absence of top seeds due to health concerns may open the door for less established players to seize the spotlight, as spectators hope for more thrilling matches to come.
The tournament wraps up its early rounds, leading to the quarterfinals where new dynamics will undoubtedly emerge, keeping tennis fans excited for the remainder of the event. With fresh faces like Learner Tien and seasoned competitors like Goffin ready to battle it out, this year’s Mexican Open promises to be one for the history books.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the matches and see how the remaining players cope with the physical demands of the Open. The balance of competition is sure to shift as new challenges arise and the tournament proceeds.