Two-Time Champion Falls in Dramatic Acapulco Upset: Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur suffered a shocking first-round exit at the 2026 Acapulco Open, losing to American qualifier Patrick Kypson in a thrilling three-set battle.
Match Result:
Kypson def. De Minaur 6-1, 6-7(4), 7-6(4)
Match Duration: 2 hours 39 minutes
The defeat came as a major surprise, especially considering De Minaur’s strong history at the venue, where he lifted the title in 2023 and 2024.
How the Match Unfolded
Kypson made a fast start, dominating the opening set with aggressive play and strong serving. De Minaur fought back to win the second-set tiebreak, but the decisive third set turned into a tight contest.
The turning point came when:
- Kypson broke De Minaur while he was serving for the match at 5-4 in the final set
- The American then held his nerve in the deciding tiebreak
Key Match Numbers
| Stat | Patrick Kypson |
|---|---|
| First-serve points won | 71% (48/68) |
| Break points converted | 3 of 5 |
| Ranking | No. 103 (before event) |
The win marked Kypson’s first ATP Tour-level victory since Indian Wells 2024.
De Minaur’s Strong Form Before the Loss
Despite the upset, De Minaur entered the tournament in excellent form.
2026 Season Overview
| Category | Alex de Minaur |
|---|---|
| World Ranking | No. 6 |
| 2026 Record | 11–2 |
| Hard Court Record | 6–2 |
| Indoor Record | 5–0 |
| Recent Title | Rotterdam Champion |
He arrived in Acapulco riding a strong momentum and was aiming for a third title at the event.
Matchup Analysis: Why the Upset Happened
Before the match, the numbers suggested a clear advantage for De Minaur.
Head-to-Head Profile Comparison
| Category | Kypson | De Minaur |
|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #103 | #6 |
| Age | 26 | 27 |
| Height | 188 cm | 183 cm |
| 2026 Record | 7–7 | 11–2 |
| Hard Court Hold % (last 52) | 79.6% | 86.0% |
| Break % | 8.9% | 26.9% |
| Return Points Won | 26.4% | 40.5% |
De Minaur’s strong return game and consistency usually make him difficult for lower-ranked players. However, Kypson executed his plan perfectly:
- High first-serve percentage
- Short points
- Aggressive first-strike tennis
This prevented De Minaur from controlling rallies with his speed and defensive strength.
Security Concerns Add Tension Around the Tournament
The tournament is taking place during a period of heightened security concerns in Mexico following violent unrest triggered by the death of a major cartel leader.
- High-level travel warnings issued for multiple regions
- Authorities advising people to shelter in place in some areas
- Flight disruptions and increased airport security
- Calls from broadcasters and officials to consider evacuating players
- Additional troops deployed in affected states
De Minaur and his fiancée, British player Katie Boulter, are both in the country for ATP and WTA events.
The situation has added an unusual off-court challenge for players competing this week.
Acapulco Record and Tournament Context
De Minaur has been one of the most successful players at the event in recent years:
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2023 | Champion |
| 2024 | Champion |
| 2026 | First-round exit |
Before this loss, he had been on a 10-match winning streak at the tournament.
The early exit is a setback, but his strong season form keeps him among the top contenders on the tour. The focus now shifts toward upcoming events, including the major hard-court swing leading into Indian Wells, which begins in early March.
Maintaining fitness and adapting quickly after the upset will be key for his momentum.
Alex de Minaur’s early exit in Acapulco is one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. Despite strong form and a dominant record at the venue, he was outplayed by a determined Patrick Kypson. With off-court security concerns and a packed schedule ahead, the Australian star will look to quickly regroup and continue his impressive 2026 season.
FAQs
Who defeated Alex de Minaur in Acapulco 2026?
American qualifier Patrick Kypson defeated him in three sets.
What was the final score?
6-1, 6-7(4), 7-6(4) in favor of Kypson.
What is De Minaur’s ranking in 2026?
He is ranked World No. 6.
How successful has he been in Acapulco?
He won the tournament in 2023 and 2024 and had a long winning streak before this loss.
Why was the upset surprising?
De Minaur entered the event with an 11–2 season record and strong recent form, including a title run.
Is the situation in Mexico affecting the tournament?
Security concerns and travel advisories have increased due to recent unrest, adding off-court challenges for players.
