Sebastian Baez cruised past 2019 champion Dominic Thiem 6-3 6-1 to win his second tour-level title of the year and the third of his career at the Generali Open in Kitzbuhel.
After rain delayed the match by 90 minutes Baez converted four of his six break points to improve his head-to-head against Thiem to 2-0.
Baez opened up a 4-1 lead in the first set with a break in the fourth game. Thiem saved two break points to hold serve in the sixth game. Baez held his next two service games with ease to close out the first set 6-3.
Baez started the second set with a break in the first game of the second set. The Argentine player won four straight games from 2-1 with two breaks of serve to seal the title after 80 minutes. He dropped just one set against Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the semifinal en route to his title.
Baez claimed the third title of his career on clay after his previous triumphs in Estoril in 2022 and Cordoba in 2023.
Thiem will return to the top 100 as a result of his run to the final. He moves up to world number 89 in the ATP Live Ranking.
“I know all the people wanted Dominic to win because he is from here, sorry. I am happy not just for today, but for 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 am happy to take the match. Congratulations to Dominic and his team. It was a great week for them, so I hope he comes back to his best level. I just want to enjoy this moment. It was an amazing week. I will try to enjoy it with my team. We know I did not achieve the best results in the past few weeks, so we will try to enjoy this moment “, said Baez.
