The ATP 500 Abierto Mexicano in Acapulco, Mexico is underway. Some of the top players in the world such as Daniil Medvedev, Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, and others will be in action here over the week. Former World Number 3 Grigor Dimitrov is up against Stefan Kozlov of the USA in the first-round clash. However, an unfortunate incident took place in the second set of their match.

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Stefan Kozlov down with cramps in his match against Grigor Dimitrov

The American took the lead in the second set when he broke the Bulgarian’s serve in the eighth game. However, to his dismay, he suffered from cramps after the point. Subsequently, he fell to the floor, calling for medical attention.

In hot and humid conditions in Acapulco, his both quads locked up. Dimitrov wore a worried look and rushed to check up on the American.

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The American stood up after receiving medical attention and was serving for the match. Dimitrov tried to shorten the points, coming to the net. It was great sportsmanship shown by Dimitrov who tried to remain focused in the match.

Dimitrov fights back to stay in the match

The first set was a closely fought affair, with both the players trying to hold their serves. However, Stefan Kozlov came out on the top in the tie-breaker to win the first set 7-6 (10-8). He won crucial points when it mattered the most to eventually take a set lead against his higher-ranked opponent.

Further, in the second set, Kozlov broke Dimitrov’s serve in the eighth game and subsequently suffered from cramps. However, he continued the match but lost the second set 7-5. Kozlov was visibly struggling with his injury as Dimitrov crawled his way back into the match. Further, the American displayed his never-say-die attitude as he decided to continue the match.

The American causes a massive upset

With the match tied at one set apiece, Kozlov was determined to make it count, having come so far against his mighty opponent. The two players held serve until the sixth game when the 130th ranked American broke Dimitrov’s serve. He displayed tremendous resilience despite his injury. He eventually held his serves to take the match 7-6 (10-8), 5-7, 6-3. It was a marathon encounter lasting 3 hours and 21 minutes.

Earlier, the American had received the main-draw entry as a lucky loser. He was practicing with Rafael Nadal when he got a call to participate in the tournament after losing in the qualifying round.

He will next take on the winner of Rafael Nadal vs Denis Kudla’s match in the second round. Can Kozlov be the ‘giant killer’ in this tournament? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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