Daniel had defeated Novak Djokovic, the World No. 13, at Indian Wells in 2018, but had never defeated a Top 10 opponent before the match (previously 0-8).
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On the centre court of the ATP Mexican Open, Casper Ruud’s final forehand into the net caused the 30-year-old Japanese player Taro Daniel to fall to his knees and raise his arms in celebration. After two hours and 58 minutes, the qualifier defeated World No. 4 Ruud 7-5, 2-6, 7-6(5) to advance to the quarterfinals in Acapulco. Daniel had defeated Novak Djokovic, the World No. 13, at Indian Wells in 2018, but had never defeated a Top 10 opponent before the match (previously 0-8). To advance to the semifinals, the righty from New York will compete against eighth seed Alex de Minaur.
“I think every time these victories feel more like my own. The first time I beat Djokovic, it felt a little bit like he was not playing very well,” Daniel said. “But this time I felt like I was really playing against Casper at a high level. I mean obviously he’s still coming back, he’s a bit rusty and all that. But still, I had to win it. It was a very physical battle, great atmosphere, so happy.”
Ruud, who had not played prior to this week since losing in the second round of the Australian Open, was unable to get into the same flow as he did on hard courts last year. The 46 unforced errors he made during the match were largely attributable to his heavy forehand, which is usually a reliable weapon. However, some of that was attributable to Daniel’s fearless tennis, where he was not afraid to challenge his opponent. On the Japanese player’s serve, the Norwegian player nevertheless saved two match points at 5-6 in the third set.
When Daniel had his first chance, he hit an inside-out forehand akin to Ruud, which the top seed was unable to slice into the court. Ruud missed a backhand return well out later in the match. The qualifier played a cool tie-break to make the most of his second chance in the game.
“I’ve always really loved playing here, but I kind of struggled with the conditions because it’s so hot,” Daniel said. “But I think I’ve been working really hard on my fitness and also my mental skills in order to cope with the humidity and cope with the suffering of the physical side of it. It’s definitely paying off and to be able to beat a guy like this, it definitely shows.”
The victory of De Minaur was much less dramatic. Jacopo Berrettini, the younger brother of Italian qualifier Matteo Berrettini, was defeated by the Australian 6-1, 6-0. Against Oscar Otte on Tuesday evening, Jacopo won for the first time on the ATP Tour. Additionally, Frances Tiafoe defeated Feliciano Lopez, a wild card, 6-2, 7-6. (6). Lopez, 41, of Spain attempted to surpass Jimmy Connors, 42, of the United States in 1995 at Halle as the oldest ATP Tour quarterfinalist, but the American did not permit him to force a deciding set.
