KITZBÜHEL, August 5, 2023 (by Dietmar Kaspar)
Following two thrilling semifinal-battles, Sebastian Baez defeated 2020 US Open champion Dominic Thiem in the final of the Generali Open in Kitzbühel in straight sets to capture his third career title on the ATP Tour.
In their second tour-level meeting on ATP-level, the 22-year-old Argentine was the dominating player right from the beginning of the match. World No. 72 Baez capitalized on his first break-point chance in the fourth game and took the opening set without facing a break point.
In the second set, the Buenos Aires native broke his 29-year-old opponent from Austria in the first game. Following another break, Baez did not drop a service game for the whole match to prevail 6-3, 6-1 in 80 minutes.
BAEZ BRILLIANCE 👏
The moment @sebaabaez7 won his 2nd title of the year, in Kitzbuhel!#GeneraliOpen pic.twitter.com/G3CIxnWG8Y
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 5, 2023
“I know all the people wanted Domi to win because he is from here, sorry,” said Baez to the crowd in his on-court interview. “I’m happy not just for today, but the whole week. All the people, the crowd, made me feel so comfortable here this week. I know this weather is not the best, but this place is amazing, and I enjoyed every day. I’m happy to take the match.
“Congrats to Domi and his team. It was a great week [for them], so I hope he comes back to his best level.”
Following his title wins in Estoril, Portugal last year and on home soil in Cordoba this season, Baez lifted his third trophy on the ATP Tour. The South American earned €85,605 in prize money as well as 250 ATP Ranking points.
