Only two matches have been played on the new center court in Acapulco's Abierto Telcel, and already the tournament has been an utterly lucrative one. The two longest matches in the history of the tournament were played on Monday, with John Isner's three-set win over Fernando Verdasco coming in 3:13, but it was the high play of Stefan Kozlov's 7-6(8), 5- was pale in comparison. 7, 6-3 victory over Grigor Dimitrov, which lasted 3:21.
Not only did Kozlov earn his first top-50 win since 2017, he had to struggle with a seismic cramp from the second set to get it.
Cramps hit the American hard when he broke 5-3, and thanks to some help from Dimitrov, a game he was able to return to the court - but lost the next four games.
Absolutely crazy scenes in Acapulco, and @GrigorDimitrov never forgets how to be a great sport.
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 22, 2022
AMAZING - and we hope Stefan Kozlov is okay. 👏#AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/ZFtoF2lllA
Most thought it was time for Kozlov to throw in the towel, but the 24-year-old, who entered the draw as a lucky loser on Monday after Maxim Cressi pulled out of a stomach ailment, had other ideas. Were.
Making matters more epic was the fact that Kozlov was practicing with Rafael Nadal when he got the news that he would be playing tonight and would have to cut down his practice. This may explain the convulsions, but no worries, Kozlov apologizes for leaving the King of Clay.
No apologies necessary 🤣@stefankozlov had to cut practice with @RafaelNadal early to enter the main draw as a lucky loser today at #AMT2022 pic.twitter.com/eVYqt5uj82
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 22, 2022
Kozlov finally found energy and seemed to suffer little as he closed out the epic victory.
Whatever energy he has left he will need, as he prepares to face Rafael Nadal or Denis Kudla in the next round, ironically enough.