Semifinal spots will be handed out in a depleted Acapulco draw on Thursday, when Flavio Cobolli and Valentin Vacherot — the two highest seeds left — take the court. They are facing Yibing Wu and Brandon Nakashima, respectively.
(Q) Yibing Wu vs. (5) Flavio Cobolli
Following a four-match losing streak, Cobolli is starting to show signs of life. The 20th-ranked Italian advanced to the Delray Beach semifinals last week and now finds himself in the quarters of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel with straight-set victories over Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez and Dalibor Svrcina.
Up next for Cobolli on quarterfinal Thursday is a first-ever meeting with Wu, who has already won four matches in Acapulco. The world No. 142 from China qualified for the main draw with straight-set defeats of Juan Pablo Ficovich and Rinky Hijikata before beating Casper Ruud and Sho Shimabukuro in straight sets (three of the four total sets went to tiebreakers). Talent has never been a question for Wu — only health. The 26-year-old seems to be rolling along nicely right now, so a minor upset would hardly be surprising.
Pick: Wu in 3
(6) Valentin Vacherot vs. Brandon Nakashima
Vacherot and Nakashima will be going head-to-head for the first time in eight years on Thursday. Their only previous meeting came at a 2018 hard-court Futures event, with Nakashima prevailing 7-6(6), 6-3. Fast forward to 2026 and both guys are in the top 30 on the pro tour. Vacherot comes in at No. 27 in the world thanks largely to his shocking Shanghai title last fall, while Nakashima is right behind in the 29th spot.
Neither man had much trouble securing a quarterfinal place this week. Vacherot dropped his opening set to Coleman Wong but then rolled, after which he ousted Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-3. Nakashima made quick work of both Elias Ymer (6-3, 6-4) and Patrick Kypson (6-4, 6-4). Through two matches, the 24-year-old American has not been broken a single time while striking 16 aces compared to just one double-fault. If he can match Vacherot in the serving department, Nakashima’s superior all-court game should make the difference.
Pick: Nakashima in 3