Novak Djokovic Defeats Jannik Sinner 6-3, 7-6 to Win Mexican Open Title in Acapulco

Novak Djokovic rolled back the years today at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-3, 7-6(4) to capture the Mexican Open title in what may have been his finest performance of the 2026 season. The 38-year-old Serbian legend demonstrated that age is merely a number, using his vast experience and tactical intelligence to outmaneuver the 24-year-old world number four in a match that showcased tennis at its highest level.

Djokovic came out firing from the opening game, breaking Sinner's serve early in the first set with a series of blistering return winners that immediately put the Italian on the back foot. The former world number one continued to apply pressure throughout the opener, using his court positioning and defensive skills to frustrate Sinner while creating opportunities to dictate play from the baseline. "I felt really sharp today, both physically and mentally," Djokovic said after lifting the trophy. "Jannik is an incredible player, but I was able to execute my game plan perfectly when it mattered most."

Sinner responded with improved aggression in the second set, using his powerful forehand to push Djokovic around the court and create angles that troubled the Serbian champion. The Italian managed to stay with Djokovic throughout the set, trading service holds and matching his opponent's intensity during the longer rallies. However, when the set reached a tiebreak, Djokovic's vast experience in big moments proved decisive as he jumped to an early 4-1 lead and never looked back, closing out the breaker with an ace down the center line.

The victory represents Djokovic's 98th ATP singles title and his first since returning from a lengthy injury layoff that had raised questions about his ability to compete at the sport's highest level. The Serbian star looked completely healthy throughout the week in Acapulco, dropping just one set en route to the title while defeating a series of high-quality opponents. His movement and court coverage appeared to be back to the elite level that made him one of tennis' greatest champions, suggesting that rumors of his decline may have been premature.

For Sinner, the defeat was disappointing but provided valuable experience against one of the game's all-time greats in a high-pressure final. The young Italian has been one of tennis' most improved players over the past year and showed flashes of brilliance throughout the match, particularly with his aggressive return game and powerful groundstrokes. "Novak played incredible tennis today, especially in the big moments," Sinner acknowledged. "This experience will make me stronger, and I'll learn from playing against such a champion."

Djokovic's triumph in Acapulco provides significant momentum heading into the upcoming hard court season, with Indian Wells and Miami on the horizon. The victory also moves him closer to the elusive 100 ATP titles milestone, a mark that only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) have reached in the Open Era. "This title means everything to me because it shows I can still compete with the best players in the world," Djokovic reflected. "I'm not ready to slow down yet, and winning here gives me confidence that I can achieve even bigger goals this year."

The Mexican Open continues to attract world-class fields, and this year's tournament delivered exceptional tennis throughout the week. Djokovic's victory caps off a successful return to clay court competition and sets up intriguing storylines as the tennis season progresses toward the European clay court swing and eventual French Open. With his health apparently restored and his motivation clearly intact, Djokovic has announced himself as a serious contender for major titles once again, much to the delight of tennis fans worldwide who have missed seeing him compete at this level.