MEXICO CITY/STARNBERG, April 10, 2026
Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez advanced to the quarterfinals of the Mexico City Open presented by Banco bxm after defeating Slovenian qualifier Bor Artnak 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 in a dramatic contest lasting two hours and six minutes.
The world No. 270 lefty from Merida sent down six aces and converted two of his four break-point chances.
With the victory, Pacheco followed fellow Mexican Alex Hernandez into the last eight. The 26-year-old wild card entry battled past Juan Pablo Ficovich of Argentina, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 earlier on Thursday. It marks the first time since 2012 that two Mexican players have reached the quarterfinals of an ATP Challenger tournament in Mexico City.
A wild point in Mexico City 🔥
Watch Pacheco Mendez vs Artnak LIVE: https://t.co/fZLPBsktyh#ATPChallenger | @mxcityopen pic.twitter.com/NYDX7Rh7mp
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) April 9, 2026
“It was a great match. Honestly, Artnak played incredibly,” Pacheco Mendez said. “At times I felt far behind because he was playing at a much higher level and was not missing. I managed to stay very strong with the support of everyone, and that gave me the chance to keep moving forward.”
Pacheco Mendez, who will turn 21 soon, will now face France’s Luka Pavlovic, last year’s runner-up, for a place in the semi-finals.
Their head-to-head record is tied at 1-1. Just a few days ago in San Luis Potosi, Pacheco Mendez defeated Pavlovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 in the round of 16. However, at the 2025 edition of the Mexico City Open, it was the Frenchman who came out on top, winning 7-6, 6-3 at the same stage.
“I don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow,” Pacheco Mendez said. “I know that I will try to play my best version. These are the best eight players and anyone can win.”
“It will be a very tough match. The series is 1-1, so anything can happen,” he added.
Despite the growing expectations around him, Pacheco Mendez insists he is taking things one day at a time.
“I’m trying to go day by day. I don’t want to think about the pressure because I know it’s difficult. I know every match is very hard, but the important thing is to step onto the court and be the best version of yourself.”
