Sebastian Baez will play compatriot Francisco Cerundolo for the Bastad title after he defeated Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-4.
Baez, who won his first ATP title in Estoril earlier this year, produced a masterclass in clay-court tennis to defeat Rublev in straight sets.
The Argentinian broke four times in a brutal display of power and crafty all-court tennis over the Russian to seal a place in the final.
It was Baez’s first top ten win of his career and no better way to do it than in a semi-final with the Argentinian clearly happy with his progress:
“I think I played better than yesterday. I am happy to win and continue in the tournament,” Baez told the ATP website.
Baez also knocked out former US Open champion Dominic Thiem in the 250 event in Sweden in Bastad as he continues to build on his confidence.
Next for Baez will be his compatriot Francisco Cerundolo who has also put together an impressive tournament.
Cerundolo defeated top seed Casper Ruud earlier in the tournament and followed that up with a convincing victory over Pablo Carreno Busta.
Cerundolo could reach a career high ranking of 23 in the world should he win the Bastad title after reaching the Miami semi-finals earlier in the year.
After his win over Carreno Busta, the Argentinian admitted this is the best year of his career, “I think I played one of the best matches in my career today,” the Argentinian was quoted as saying by the ATP website.
“Everything went well. I am feeling so comfortable and playing with so much confidence that it’s amazing to be playing like this. Hopefully I can keep going and maintain my level or improve it.
“It’s fantastic [to be in another final]. Last year I was in the final at home in Buenos Aires and I lost pretty badly, so I hope tomorrow I can have a better match and hopefully take my first title home.”
This will be Baez and Cerundolo’s first meeting on the ATP tour although they have played each other three times on the Challenger and Future circuit with Baez leading 2-1.
