David Ferrer won a record-equalling fourth Mexican Open title with a 6-3 7-5 victory over Kei Nishikori in the Acapulco hardcourt final. The Spanish world number nine's triumph put him level with Austrian Thomas Muster with four Mexican titles having also won the tournament three times from 2010-2012 on clay.
It was Ferrer's third title this year after Doha and last week's win in Rio de Janeiro and 24th of his career, ending a run of five defeats to the Japanese top seed. Nishikori now leads Ferrer 7-4 in their meetings.
"I played very aggressive, without mistakes. I'm very happy. To win here a fourth time is a dream," Ferrer was quoted as saying on the ATP website.
"In important moments, he made more mistakes and I took my chances. I feel very confident with my tennis now. I've won three tournaments this year and we've only began the season."