The searing Acapulco heat and tricky Mexican altitude will provide the backdrop as rising Danish star Holger Rune and big-serving American Michael Mmoh square off in an intriguing second round clash at the 2024 Mexican Open. This matchup pits the fifth-seeded Rune against the dangerous Mmoh in what should be an entertaining contrast of styles and personalities.
At just 20 years old, Holger Rune has rapidly ascended the ATP rankings to become one of the bright young stars of men’s professional tennis. The Dane currently sits at a career-high world #10, having won three titles in 2023 including his first ATP 500 trophy in Dubai. With a game that combines relentless baseline power and defensive skills with impressive touch and feel around the net, Rune possesses an extremely versatile skill set that makes him a threat on all surfaces.
He was a semifinalist in Acapulco last season, picking up some valuable experience navigating the unique conditions of the Mexican clay courts. The high altitude causes balls to fly through the air faster and flatten out, while the heat and humidity can quickly sap energy reserves. Rune showed last year he can handle these challenges adeptly, and he will look to capitalize on that familiarity in his 2024 bid to go even deeper in the tournament.
His ability to seamlessly transition from defense to offense is one of Rune’s biggest assets. The youngster has a tremendous engine and covers the court impressively for his 6’2″ frame. He can absorb pace off both wings, drag opponents into protracted baseline rallies, and then pull the trigger to take control and finish points at the opportune moments. Rune’s developing all-court game makes him a complete, formidable opponent.
On the opposite side, the big-serving Michael Mmoh provides a stern opening test for Rune in Acapulco. At 25 years old, the American has all the tools to cause damage but remains something of an unfulfilled talent on tour thus far. His biggest weapon is undoubtedly his massive serve, one of the most powerful in men’s tennis. Mmoh is capable of firing aces in the mid-130s mph with his blistering flat delivery. If he can get that shot clicking and land it consistently, he becomes extremely difficult to break down.
With his excellent coordination and body control, Mmoh is also a solid all-court player when at his best. His flat, penetrating groundstrokes give him the tools to hold court and really dictate with his forehand wing if he catches a groove. Mmoh moves well for a bigger guy and can dominate mid-court exchanges with the weight of shot he produces off both wings.
The big question will be whether Mmoh can maintain a high level from the back of the court to counter Rune’s physicality. He is prone to lapses in concentration and can go through extended patches of spraying errors, which will undo all the good work he produces behind his booming serve. Consistency has long been an issue for the talented American.
In their one previous meeting at the 2020 Delray Beach Open on outdoor hard courts, it was Rune who prevailed in straight sets 7-6(5), 6-4. The Dane showed an ability to neutralize Mmoh’s power serve and force him to win from baseline exchanges, which did not go the American’s way on that day. Of course, both men have evolved their games substantially since that first clash nearly four years ago.
Prediction: This battle between the fifth seed Rune and Mmoh has the makings of an entertaining three-set grind. Mmoh will look to shorten points behind his powerful serve and strike big off the ground to open up the court. He’ll aim to set up his favored forehand as much as possible to finish points aggressively.
Rune on the other hand will aim to neutralize that weapon with his compact return technique of taking the ball early. He’ll look to get as many returns in play as possible and grind down the American’s power game in extended rallies. The Dane’s superior movement and defensive skills should see him eventually breaking through Mmoh’s defenses.
Rune’s ability to absorb pace is a key asset he can deploy in this matchup. By soaking up the power generated by Mmoh’s heavy ball striking, Rune can then quickly transition to offense himself by unleashing his own blistering groundstrokes through the court. He will slide into position early to be ahead of the striking zone and unleash his trademark whipped forehand.
In the high heat and altitude, physical endurance and mental focus will be put to the test. Rune has proven he has the physical and mental fortitude to prevail in demanding conditions like these. Mmoh will earn opportunities with his weapons, but expect some mental lapses and cold streaks to costs him at critical moments.
Ultimately, Rune’s greater consistency from the back of the court, coupled with his ability to construct points with variety and transition to offense should carry the day. Look for high quality tennis with the Dane emerging victorious after a tightly-contested encounter, potentially in a final set tiebreak.
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Prediction: Rune def. Mmoh 6-7(3), 6-4, 7-6(4)
