Machac stays undefeated to win Guadalajara title in UTS debut

Tomas “The Air Machete” Machac beat David “The Wall” Goffin in the final of UTS Guadalajara, prevailing 17-15, 16-14, 19-10 in Guadalajara on Sunday evening.

The Czech capped off a brilliant UTS debut, beating Goffin for the second time in three days to maintain his undefeated record in Guadalajara.

“It couldn’t be better,” Machac declared after the final. “I was really happy that I can be here. I managed to play my best tennis here and the final was great.

“Today I was feeling great on the court, especially with the altitude.”

By winning the event, Machac becomes the first player to win a UTS tournament on debut since Jack Draper won the UTS Grand Final in 2023.

Machac shuts out Goffin yet again

Machac won his earlier meeting against Goffin on Friday 3-0 but since then the veteran has been playing at a much higher level. It showed on Sunday, with a gripping opening quarter.

The Czech was the first to open up a lead, winning eight points in a row from 5-5 in the first quarter. Goffin pegged it back though, successfully playing his card to snap Machac’s momentum and close the gap to 13-10.

The Belgian won his opponent’s card, but quarter-point still came at 16-12 in Machac’s favour. Goffin pulled back three of these before falling 17-15 to go down 1-0 after one quarter.

“It would be better maybe to take the lead earlier, than to try and steal it,” the 34-year-old reflected between quarters.

Machac turned up the heat in quarter two, winning a fantastic dive-roll volley on the sixth point.

This brilliance was a foreshadowing of what would take place later in the quarter, with the 24-year-old turning the tables and stealing the second 16-14, after Goffin held quarter point.

The writing looked to be on the wall when Machac pulled ahead early in the third, but Goffin showed his trademark fighting spirit to claw his way back into the quarter at 9-9.

Cards again made the difference, however, with Machac producing another magical volley on Goffin’s card before winning his own to go ahead 18-10.

The Czech sealed his maiden UTS title in style, firing down an ace to claim the final 3-0.

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