December 22, 2024
Sebastian Baez finished his South American clay-court swing on a high Sunday in Santiago.
The Argentine rallied past home favourite Alejandro Tabilo 3-6, 6-0, 6-4 in the final of the Child Open to secure his second title in as many weeks. Last week Baez triumphed at the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro.
“[I have] many feelings because in the beginning of the match, I didn’t feel good,” Baez said. “It was all different, the first set, the second set and the third.
“I think it was from less to high all the time. So I will just enjoy with my team because we fought from years ago to be here and to want to be with high moments, high ranking.”
Baez is now fifth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin and is 16-5 in 2024. He is trying to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time. What will come next for the Argentine?
“We will try to be focused on the job,” Baez said. “And we’ll see.”
The 23-year-old has won nine consecutive matches and will climb to a career-high No. 19 in the PIF ATP Rankings Monday. He found his best tennis when it mattered most on Court Jaime Fillol, earning 12 of the championship clash’s final 16 games to emerge victorious after two hours and 14 minutes.
Baez’s winning streak appeared in jeopardy when this year’s Auckland champion Tabilo made a quick start in front of a partisan crowd. Chants of “Chi! Chi! Chi! Le! Le! Le! Viva Chile!” filled the air as day turned to night and the lefty moved to within a set of earning his second ATP Tour crown.
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