By Erik Gudris | Sunday, March 2, 2014

 

Grigor Dimitrov kept his nerve while maintaining his verve to win the biggest title of his career at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel event in Acapulco.

Photo Credit: Mextenis

In a tense and thrilling final that went into the early morning, Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria emerged the winner of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel event in Acapulco.

Dimitrov faced off against South Africa's Kevin Anderson in what was the biggest final for both men in their careers. Though each had previously won an ATP 250 event, this would be their first ever at the ATP 500 level.

Neither man could assume an early advantage in the opening set. That changed at 4-all when Anderson held 0-40 on Dimitrov's serve. But multiple errors from Anderson allowed Dimitrov to eventually hold for 5-4. Though Dimitrov would hold two set points in the next game, Anderson would fight them off.

Eventually a tiebreak was needed and it was there that Dimitrov took control as he raced away with the 7-6(1) first set.

Despite that, Dimitrov's level dropped soon after allowing Anderson to take an early 3-0 lead in the second set. Using his big serve and forehand to perfection, Anderson would close out the set 6-3.

Anderson continued to look for ways to approach the net to finish off points while Dimitrov hung way back at the baseline as the third set ensued. A shaky forehand hit well long from Dimitrov allowed Anderson to take a quick 2-1 lead.

While Dimitrov continued to play flat tennis, Anderson fought with his own nerves during his service games. Those nerves soon got the better of Anderson midway through the set. Anderson would hit a double fault to give Dimitrov his first break of the match and level the set at 4-all.

With the pressure mounting, Anderson relied on his big serve while Dimitrov began to show more of the shotmaking flair that endeared him to the local crowds all week.

A final set tiebreak ensued as Anderson opened up a 4-2 lead thanks to his 13th ace. But a bad double fault from Anderson followed by a netted return let Dimitrov back into the breaker at 4-all. At 5-all, a tense rally ended when Dimitrov hit with less pace that set up a massive backhand miss from Anderson.

Serving for the title at 6-5, Dimitrov stayed steady again in the rally as Anderson would hit one final forehand that clipped the net and then sailed wide. With that, Dimitrov celebrated the 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-6(5) victory after nearly three hours.

Acapulco is now the second and biggest title of Dimitrov's career. He is projected to crack into the top 16 when the new ATP rankings are released on Monday.

Anderson found consolation later as partnered with Matthew Ebden to win the doubles title 6-3, 6-3 over Feliciano Lopez and Max Mirnyi.