Cobolli and Tiafoe to Clash in Acapulco Final After Dramatic Semifinal Wins
February 28, 2026
ACAPULCO, Mexico – Flavio Cobolli of Italy and Frances Tiafoe of the United States will contest the final of the ATP 500 event in Acapulco this Saturday, both having overcome challenging semifinal matches to reach the championship round.
Cobolli Secures Spot in First ATP 500 Final
Fifth-seeded Cobolli defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4 in a hard-fought battle. Cobolli trailed 1-3 in the final set before mounting a comeback, winning five of the next six games to secure the victory. He saved two break points at 3-3 in the third set with forehand winners.
“We played an incredible game,” Cobolli said. “I was a little lucky at the end, because in crucial moments sometimes you need luck. I’m really proud because it wasn’t easy to come back.”
ATP Staff
This will be Cobolli’s third ATP Tour final, having previously won titles in Bucharest, and Hamburg. A win on Saturday could see him reach a career-high ranking of No. 15.
Tiafoe Survives Test Against Nakashima
Eighth-seeded Tiafoe was pushed to the limit by fellow American Brandon Nakashima, ultimately prevailing 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-4 after two hours and 49 minutes. Nakashima served for the match at 6-5 in the second set, but Tiafoe managed to break back with a net-cord winner.
The second set tie-break was a tense affair, with Tiafoe leading 6/3 before Nakashima fought back to 6/6. Tiafoe eventually secured the set 8/6. He converted one of his four break chances in the opening game of the deciding set.
“It’s incredible. The stars definitely aligned,” Tiafoe said. “Things started to make sense when I was down, a couple of net cords. I made every return at 5-6 [in the second set]. Obviously not feeling the best, but just competing and battling — sometimes you get lucky. Played great tennis in the third.”
ATP Staff
This will be Tiafoe’s 11th career final, and his first on a hard court since the ATP Masters 1000 in Cincinnati in 2024.
FAQ
Who will be competing in the Acapulco final?
Flavio Cobolli and Frances Tiafoe will compete in the Acapulco final.
How did Cobolli win his semifinal match?
Cobolli defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4.
How did Tiafoe win his semifinal match?
Tiafoe defeated Brandon Nakashima 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-4.
The final promises to be a captivating contest between two players who have demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the tournament.