Argentine tennis star Facundo Díaz Acosta (87th ATP singles ranked) was crowned 2024 Argentina Open champion on Sunday after beating Chilean Nicolás Jarry (21) by 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 44 minutes of play.

The Argentine took control of the game quickly, breaking Jarry’s serve at 2-1. The Buenos Aires native played an aggressive game early on, pushing Jarry deep and taking advantage of the Chilean’s erratic shot selection. Despite trying for chances to earn another break of serve, the Argentine was forced to wrap it with his own, closing 6-3.

It was more of the same in the second set, where Díaz Acosta kept on the offensive, refusing to back down from the baseline and forcing Jarry to either out-shoot him or miss. A serve break in the first game allowed the Argentine to build and sustain an advantage throughout the second set, and he could have expanded on it as he had break-point on Jarry’s three first serving turns.

The suspense was reserved for the last game of the match. Díaz Acosta looked set for a straightforward finish, sitting at 40-0 with his serve — but Jarry fought back, defending five match points and having the chance to break the Argentine’s serve. 

Sixth time was lucky for Diaz Acosta, who earned his first ATP Tour title in the same week he got to his first quarters, semis and final in the tour. He also became the first WC winner in Buenos Aires since Spanish David Ferrer did it in 2014. He’ll jump 28 places in the ATP singles ranking to a career-high 59th.

Díaz Acosta couldn’t hide his surprise at winning the title. “Knowing the players who have won this tournament, I’m still in shock, I can’t believe I’m one of them,” he said during the press conference. “I’m going away to celebrate and maybe when the adrenaline goes down I’ll be able to enjoy it a bit more.

“Before the game my team and I tried to prepare the game like any other and remove a bit of the pressure from the final. It was an incredible week, where I played the best tennis in my life.”

Jarry took the mic to address his defeat. “The style of game [Díaz Acosta] set out to play, with high balls with a lot of topspin, meant I needed some extra strength to counter it and I couldn’t find it,” he said, adding that he wasn’t surprised by the Argentine’s level.

Despite facing some jeering by the fans, the Chilean was adamant that he had enjoyed his time in Buenos Aires. “It’s not easy to play here, but it’s nice to play in this kind of atmosphere,” he said. 

“I wasn’t the crowd’s favorite in any of the games so I had to scrap for it, but that’s what makes this sport special and I hope I’ve gained some support for next year.”