Dominic Thiem beats Bernard Tomic to claim Mexico Open title
Sunday 28 February 2016 11:25, UK
Dominic Thiem claimed his second title in three weeks beating Bernard Tomic in three sets to claim the Mexico Open in Acapulco.
After victory in Argentina two weeks ago, Thiem become the fourth player this season to claim a second ATP crown but he was made to work hard for a 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 6-3 by Tomic.
Austrian star Thiem finishes February with two tournament wins and a semi-final with his world ranking set rise to a career best 14 on Monday.
However the 22-year-old was given a tough test by Tomic who broke early to take a 3-1 lead following some fearsome baseline rallies, before Thiem struck back at the opportune moment with the Australian serving for the set at 5-3.
Thiem went on to clinch the opener in the break before Tomic battled back to force a deciding set under the lights in Acapulco.
The pair traded breaks in the opening two games of the third but it was Thiem who consolidated his and took five of the next seven games to clinch the third set and record a season high 18th victory on the tour, not to mention a fifth career title.
Acapulco is the first ATP 500 title of his career and the first hard court title having seen all four previous final wins come in 250 events and perhaps surprisingly all on clay.
"It was unbelievable," Thiem said after picking up the trophy.
"These three weeks have been amazing. Winning my first 500 title and first hard-court title, it was just perfect. It was how a final should be, between two young and up-and-coming players. I hope we're going to play many more finals together.
"Both of us wanted to win so badly and I'm happy I was the one today."
