Jacopo Berrettini said it was probably the best night of his life when he qualified for his ATP Tour main-draw debut at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC on Sunday. On Tuesday evening, the 24-year-old Italian went one better by winning his first tour-level singles match in front of a packed Court 1 crowd in Acapulco.

Berrettini led Oscar Otte 3-6, 7-6(3), 2-1 when the German retired with a knee injury. The Italian saved a break point in his opening service game of set two and grew into the match after the crucial hold, ultimately claiming the second set with brave a forehand winner up the line. The match ended after Berrettini went up a break in the third set.

Earlier on Tuesday, brother Matteo Berrettini also advanced in Acapulco — ironically, also via retirement after building a 6-0, 1-0 lead against Alex Molcan on the stadium court.

Before his younger brother joined him in the last 16, Matteo reflected on Jacopo’s milestone moment from Sunday’s qualifying.

“It was really a special moment, obviously,” the elder Berrettini said. “Especially because he was having a tough moment the last couple of years, with COVID and for so many reasons. Also he got injured many times and he couldn’t really perform the way he wanted to. I was really happy for him.”

The brothers are staying together this week in Acapulco and sharing the same team at the ATP 500. While it has been rare for the two to compete at the same event, both are making the most of the opportunity.

Matteo was even able to watch his brother’s qualifying success from the sideline: “You could see my stress level was really high in the stands!” he said with a smile.

Jacopo reached a career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking of No. 282 in 2021 and is now working his way back towards the Top 500. He took full advantage of a qualifying wild card this week, an opportunity for which Matteo made sure to thank the Acapulco organisers.

“It’s a privilege. It’s really nice,” Matteo said. “I have to thank the tournament obviously for the chance that they gave me and my family, and Jacopo as well. Really super happy to live this experience and looking forward to having more matches.”

Just before the new year, Spain’s Feliciano Lopez announced that he will say adios to life as a player on the ATP Tour this season. The 41-year-old will finish his career with farewell appearances at a select few tournaments, the first of which is this week at the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC.

After more than 20 years as a professional, Lopez is finding it hard to say goodbye.

“Since I decided this is going to be my last year on Tour, it’s been a little bit difficult because it’s something that you don’t want to do, because I love what I do,” Lopez told ATPTour.com in Acapulco. “I have a passion for tennis. Even though I know this is my last year, I wish I could continue playing and it’s a little bit sad. But on the other hand, I have to do it because I’m 41 years old and this is not going to be forever; I understand.”

The former world No. 12 has made the most of his Acapulco wild card this week, earning his first tour-level singles victory since July 2021 with a 7-6(3), 6-4 win against Christopher Eubanks—a player 15 years his junior—on Monday night. It was his first competitive match in nearly five months.

“It’s been a while since I won my last ATP match,” Lopez reflected. “To be honest, I had this in mind because last year was difficult for me. I couldn’t win any matches on Tour, even though I played only a few tournaments. But still it’s something that I had in mind and it was kind of a relief moment when I finally won my match yesterday.”

After playing a light schedule in 2022, competing in just 11 tour-level matches, Lopez’s win was reward for an intense effort in what was his last offseason training block.

“I knew this was going to be very challenging and very difficult,” he said of returning to the ATP Tour after the layoff. “That’s why I was preparing myself to be ready here in Acapulco. I think considering all the circumstances and all the challenges that I’ve faced in the last year I think I played great tennis overall.

“The match was great, I was feeling great physically and of course my tennis has some room to improve but I think the level overall was very decent.”

Having earned his way back into the win column, Lopez will next face sixth seed Frances Tiafoe on Wednesday in a marquee match in front of the Mexican crowd. Lopez won their lone previous ATP Head2Head meeting in Antwerp in 2018, but the in-form American comes into this matchup as World No. 15, just one spot off his career-high Pepperstone ATP Ranking achieved earlier in February.

“I know it’s a very difficult match,” Lopez said. “Probably the most difficult one that I’m facing in the last three or four years because Tiafoe is one of then best players in the world, especially now that he’s been playing great tennis in the last year and a half. I know it’s going to be very difficult but I have nothing to lose. I’m here to enjoy myself.

“My only goal tomorrow is to play the best I can… to be myself on the court, to be aggressive. It’s one of the matches that you really want to play.”

Beyond Acapulco, Lopez has already been confirmed as a wild card in Barcelona and Mallorca. He is also hoping to return to The Queen’s Club in London, where he won his two most recent tour-level singles titles in 2017 and 2019. He also won the doubles title there with Andy Murray in a 2019 trophy sweep, and later claimed the 2022 Acapulco doubles crown with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

While Lopez is hoping for a wild card to this year’s Cinch Championships in London, he says it will be tough based on what he has heard at the moment.

“It’s one of the tournaments I would really love to play there one more time,” he shared.

Of course the Spaniard will understand the complexity of the situation, given his role as tournament director at the Mutua Madrid Open since 2019. It’s a position that can provide some solace to Lopez and his many fans: The seven-time tour-level champion may be stepping off the court, but he is not leaving the game of tennis.

Novak Djokovic suffered a scare Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where he needed to claw through a final-set tie-break to dispatch Tomas Machac. But the World No. 1 said there was good news beyond the result.

“I wasn’t thinking about my leg today, which is great. It was not bothering me at all. That’s great news,” Djokovic said. “But [an] injury is an injury. There’s a muscle memory and it plays with your mind a little bit, it plays with your biomechanics, with your preparation for the shot, execution for the shot. I do feel a difference definitely comparing to the level that I had and the kind of execution I had in Australia.”

It was in Melbourne where Djokovic lifted his 10th Australian Open trophy despite battling through an injury, which noticeably hindered his movement in the early rounds. After finding a way past Machac, the 35-year-old is now 13-0 on the season.

“Of course, there’s a lot to be happy about tonight. I think the fighting spirit was there. Tie-break was as good as it can be,” Djokovic said. “[I will] take it day by day and see where it can go.”

While Djokovic admitted he is still finding his best form, the Serbian also complimented Machac, who was trying to earn the biggest win of his career at the ATP 500 event.

“Credit to him, he did surprise me. Never faced him. I did my analysis of his game and prepared myself well,” Djokovic said. “Credit to him, he went for his shots, especially down the line backhand, serve and volley. He didn’t miss one volley. It was unbelievable. He played on such a high quality. He wasn’t missing at all.”

After the match, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships celebrated Djokovic’s 378th week atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. This week the Serbian passed Stefanie Graf for the most weeks as the world’s No. 1 singles player in men’s or women’s tennis.

378 weeks at the top. Novak Djokovic. Elite.#DDFTennis #ATP @atptour pic.twitter.com/VsO9ipbmZi

— Dubai Tennis Champs (@DDFTennis) February 28, 2023

“I work as hard as anybody else. I’m really, really committed to the sport. And I try. There’s a lot of challengers that are coming up in the new generations. Alcaraz being there, probably one of the leaders of the next generation. Rune. Then you have Tsitsipas. These guys are just playing on a high level constantly,” Djokovic said. “They’re playing a lot of tournaments, a lot of weeks. I’m not playing as much, and I don’t plan to play as many weeks as they do.

“I guess eventually they’ll take the No. 1, then I’ll bring it back again, then they’ll take it again, then we go in circles.”

Laslo Djere maintained his perfect first-round record for 2023 with a comfortable victory against Joao Sousa on Tuesday at the Movistar Chile Open.

The sixth-seeded Serbian prevailed 6-3, 6-2 at the clay-court ATP 250 and has now won all six opening matches he has played at Tour-level this season. Djere broke Sousa’s serve three times and did not face a break point in his 78-minute triumph, which booked him a second-round assignment against Italian qualifier Riccardo Bonadio.

Both of Djere’s ATP Tour titles (Rio de Janeiro in 2019 and Sardinia in 2020) were won on clay. The 27-year-old is competing at the Santiago tournament for the second time after he reached the quarter-finals in 2021.

Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Dusan Lajovic also enjoyed comprehensive first-round victories on Tuesday in the Chilean capital. Etcheverry took out former World No. 9 Fabio Fognini 6-1, 7-6(1) for a personal-best fourth tour-level win of the year. The 23-year-old next takes on second seed Francisco Cerundolo.

Lajovic defeated qualifier Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-1, 6-3, the pair’s second meeting in three weeks after the Serbian also prevailed in straight sets in Buenos Aires. Lajovic takes on qualifier Juan Manuel Cerundolo for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Thiago Monteiro also reached the second round with a 7-5, 4-6, 7-5 upset of fifth seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The Brazilian claimed a topsy-turvy deciding set featuring five breaks of serve to earn a second-round meeting with Facundo Bagnis or Marco Cecchinato.

Carlos Alcaraz and Cameron Norrie withdrew from the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC on Tuesday, Alcaraz due to the right leg injury he aggravated in Rio de Janeiro and Norrie because of fatigue.

“Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in @AbiertoTelcel. I have a grade 1 strain in my right hamstring that will keep me out for several days, according to the tests we did this morning,” Alcaraz tweeted. “I’m really sad I can’t compete here, but now it’s time to think about recovering and being ready as soon as possible. I hope to see you all soon!”

Unfortunately I won’t be able to play in @AbiertoTelcel. I have a grade 1 strain in my right hamstring that will keep me out for several days, according to the tests we did this morning. pic.twitter.com/speM91ejom

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) February 28, 2023

Alcaraz owns an 8-1 record on the season after winning the Argentina Open and reaching the final of the Rio Open presented by Claro. The Spaniard missed more than three months following last year’s Rolex Paris Masters due to injury.

Norrie claimed the biggest clay-court title of his career in Brazil, where he battled past Alcaraz in the final. The left-handed Briton leads the ATP Tour in match wins this season with 18 (18-3).

“Unfortunately I have to withdraw from Acapulco,” Norrie said in an Instagram Story. “It’s one of my favourite tournaments, so it’s really tough for me to withdraw.”

“We wish you both a speedy recovery,” the Acapulco tournament wrote on social media.

Aviso importante. pic.twitter.com/CVRDx4Qfv4

— Abierto Mexicano (@AbiertoTelcel) February 28, 2023

Both players will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser at 5:30 p.m. local time.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open presented by Itau, the lefty confirmed on social media Tuesday.

“It’s been a while since I don’t communicate with you. Took my time off, started rehab, gym and physiotherapy as instructed by the doctors. Getting ready to come back the in the best conditions,” Nadal tweeted. “I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami. Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing.”

I am sad that I won’t be able to compete at Indian Wells nor Miami.
Very sad not to be there. I’ll miss all my US fans but I hope to see them later this year during the summer swing. pic.twitter.com/v6dsf1ayTI

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 28, 2023

The Spaniard began his season at the United Cup before losing in the second round of the Australian Open to American Mackenzie McDonald. After his Melbourne exit, the 36-year-old underwent tests and reported the results to fans.

“Good afternoon. I have undergone medical tests after losing yesterday,” Nadal wrote in January. “The MRI shows a grade 2 injury in the iliopsoas muscle in my left leg. Now it’s time for sports rest and anti-inflammatory physiotherapy. Normal recovery time 6 to 8 weeks.”

Three-time BNP Paribas Open Champion Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from the 2023 tournament due to injury.

“We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas. pic.twitter.com/6TdzOT6qY9

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) February 28, 2023

Nadal last year reached the final at Indian Wells, the first ATP Masters 1000 event of the season. BNP Paribas Open Tournament Director Tommy Haas wished the lefty well.

“We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year,” Haas said.

The Miami ATP Masters 1000 event replied to Nadal’s tweet by writing: “Get well soon, Rafa 💪💪 We’ll miss you here in Miami ❤️❤️”

Novak Djokovic remains unbeaten in 2023 — but only after the Serbian held off a ferocious challenge from Tomas Machac for a 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(1) win Tuesday at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.

Machac showcased some top-class shotmaking, particularly off the backhand wing, to roar back into contention after a fast start from Djokovic at the ATP 500. The World No. 1 was at times visibly frustrated at struggling to find his best level, but composed himself in trademark fashion in the deciding-set tie-break to ward off the upset and take a hard-earned two-hour, 28-minute victory.

“Tomas certainly didn’t play like the No. 130 in the world today,” Djokovic said of Machac, who reached his career-high of No. 97 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings last December. “He was giving me all kinds of trouble. But i guess when it mattered, I found another gear.”

Although Djokovic struck 44 winners to Machac’s 34, the Czech rarely allowed the Serbian to dictate play for extended periods in their maiden ATP Head2Head meeting. Djokovic’s serve proved crucial in repelling his inspired opponent — the top seed sent down 12 aces and saved seven of 10 break points he faced.

“Physically you can always be better,” said Djokovic, who was playing his first match since lifting a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam at January’s Australian Open.. “I demand the highest of standards, levels, and quality of tennis and preparation that I can possibly get.

“I did struggle with injury for several weeks and it took me a little bit of time to get used to holding the racquet. I haven’t played much tennis coming into Dubai, so I’m hoping that as the tournament progresses, I can raise the level of tennis as well.”

Djokovic had led 4-1 in the third set before an inspired Machac rallied to take the 93-time tour-level titlist the distance in the U.A.E. Yet the Serbian held on for the win, and is now 13-0 for the 2023 season after previously winning an ATP 250 in Adelaide prior to his Australian Open title run.

Having finished his 2022 season by going unbeaten at the Nitto ATP Finals, Djokovic’s current winning streak now stands at 18. The World No. 1 is this week chasing his sixth title in Dubai, where he triumphed in 2009-2011, 2013 and 2020. His next opponent in the U.A.E. will be World No. 39 Tallon Griekspoor.

More to follow…

Felix Auger-Aliassime earned victory on his debut at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships Tuesday. However, he was made to work hard at the ATP 500 event, clawing past American Maxime Cressy 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-3 to reach the second round.

The Canadian survived a serve-and-volley onslaught from a resilient Cressy, finding a number of stunning passing shots in pressure moments to triumph after three hours.

“He has not the most common game. But that is why he is difficult to play. You don’t have to face an opponent like him. He is quite unique and that is why I think he got me last time,” said Auger-Aliassime, who lost to Cressy at Wimbledon last year. “I think I was a bit unprepared and wasn’t able to stay as composed as I did today.

“I was sharp when I needed to. It was unfortunate it had to go three sets, but to be able to break him finally, for the first time since we’ve played together, was good.”

Auger-Aliassime arrived in Dubai off the back of a run to the semi-finals in Doha, where eventual champion Daniil Medvedev stopped him. The 22-year-old, who also fell to Medvedev in the quarter-finals in Rotterdam earlier this month, will next face Italian Lorenzo Sonego after improving to 8-4 on the year.

After winning a tight opening set, Auger-Aliassime was unable to cope with the 25-year-old’s proactive game in the second set, with Cressy clubbing 16 winners in the second set to level. However, the fourth seed remained patient on return and earned the crucial break in the fourth game of the third set, before remaining strong on serve to advance.

Auger-Aliassime has levelled his ATP Head2Head series against Cressy at 1-1, gaining revenge for his first-round defeat to the World No. 36 at Wimbledon last year. The World No. 9 is chasing his fifth tour-level title and first of the season this week.

In other action, Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp upset sixth seed Karen Khachanov 7-5, 6-2, while Australian Christopher O’Connell defeated Finn Emil Ruusuvuori 7-5, 6-4. Eighth seed Borna Coric advanced after Daniel Evans was forced to retire due to injury at 2-2 in the first set.