Defending champion Alex de Minaur beat Stefanos Tsitsipas for the first time to reach the semi-finals of the ATP hardcourt tournament in Acapulco, Mexico on Thursday. Australia’s De Minaur had come up empty in 10 prior meetings against Tsitsipas and it looked like more of the same when the Greek raced through the first set 6-1. But third-seeded De Minaur, coming off a runner-up finish to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in Rotterdam, fought back for a 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory and booked a last-four clash with Britain’s Jack Draper.
“I’m glad I got one on the board. Rune defeated Germany’s Dominik Koepfer 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/0) to reach the semi-finals for the second year in a row.
“Every time I’ve got to play him I get reminded about my (record in the) matchup,” De Minaur said. “I would like to say that no one beats me 11 times in a row, but hey, Stefanos has had my number for a very long time, so I’m glad I was able to get one back,” De Minaur said.
