Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, 28 February 2016 | tennis.com.au

Bernard Tomic came within a whisker of completing a dream week in Acapulco, but found the rampaging Dominic Thiem too strong.

The Australian led 5-2 in the first set, held a 5-3 lead in the ensuing tiebreak, and scored an early break in the final set, but went down to the fourth seed 7-6(6) 4-6 6-3.

Said Thiem: “It was how a final should be, between two young and up-and-coming players. I hope we’re going to play many more finals together. Both of us wanted to win so badly and I’m happy I was the one today.”

Thiem will rise to No.14 in the world after the biggest victory of his career; Tomic was also gunning for his biggest title, having previously won three ATP titles at 250 level.

Acapulco is an ATP 500 event held on hard courts.

“It could have been huge if I won, but I had a chance,” Tomic said.

“That’s the biggest disappointment, having the chance to win. I’m frustrated with myself … I was leading in the first set and then I lost it and I was up a break in the third and gave away my serve straight away.

“But he was playing very well and he’s an amazing competitor. Every point he’s competing. He was feeling good on court and has been playing well all week.

“In the final of big tournaments, you have to take your chances in the big moments. I didn’t take it.”

Nonetheless, Tomic takes momentum into next week’s Davis Cup tie pitting Australia against the United States in Melbourne.