The ATP 500 Ebierto Mexicano is underway in Acapulco, Mexico. Some of the world's top players like 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 Stepan Kozlov of the United States in a first-round clash. However, an unfortunate incident happened in the second set of their match.
Stepan Kozlov down with a cramp 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, much to his dismay, he was suffering from convulsions after the point. Thereafter, he collapsed on the floor to seek medical attention.
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
Kozlov breaks serve.
— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) February 22, 2022
Then both quads LOCK up.
I mean. LOCK. Agony. :-( pic.twitter.com/t9jPni5QS0
What??? https://t.co/3DA34E6Yoi
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 22, 2022
In the hot and humid conditions in Acapulco, both of his quads locked up. Dimitrov assumed a worried look and rushed to check on the American.
The American stood up after receiving medical aid and was serving for the match. Dimitrov came to the net and tried to reduce the points. It was the great sportsmanship shown by Dimitrov who tried to concentrate in the match.
Dimitrov fights to stay in the match
The first set was a tough match, with both the players trying to save their serve. However, Stepan Kozlov came out on top in the tie-breaker and won the first set 7-6 (10-8). He won significant points when ultimately taking a set lead against his higher-ranked opponent mattered most.
Also, in the second set, Kozlov broke Dimitrov's serve in the eighth game and later suffered a convulsion. However, they continued with the match but lost the second set 7-5. Kozlov was clearly battling his injury as Dimitrov returned to the match. Furthermore, the American displayed his never-losing attitude as he decided to continue with the match.
American massive upset
With the matches being tied in set one, Kozlov was determined to come this far and register a victory against his formidable opponent. Both players held serve until the sixth game, when the 130th-ranked American broke Dimitrov's serve. He showed tremendous resilience despite his injury. He eventually stopped his serve and won the match 7-6 (10-8), 5-7, 6-3. It was a marathon encounter lasting 3 hours 21 minutes.
Earlier, the American had entered the main draw as a lucky loser. He was practicing with Rafael Nadal when he was called to participate in the tournament after losing in the qualifying round.
And he was practicing with Nadal when he got the call, too. Per @MikeCTennis
— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) February 22, 2022
I mean, he's going to remember this day. https://t.co/U4x58lMNBY
He will next take on the winner of the Rafael Nadal vs Dennis Kudla match in the second round. Could Kozlov be the 'giant killer' in this tournament? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.