Sebastian Baez denies resurgent Dominic Thiem 2023 Austrian Open victory in Kitzbuhel with straight-sets victory
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Updated 05/08/2023 at 22:53 GMT
Dominic Thiem had not appeared in an ATP final since 2020 when he lost the ATP Finals in London against Daniil Medvedev, and the Austrian appeared on course to win his home Open in Kitzbuhel as he reached the final to face Argentina's Sebastian Baez. However Baez claimed his second title of the year as he appeared fresher than his 29-year-old rival.
Highlights as Baez defeats home favourite Thiem to claim Austrian Open title
Sebastian Baez defeated Dominic Thiem at the Austrian Open on Saturday afternoon in Kitzbuhel for his third ATP Tour title win.
The Argentine won 6-3 6-1 against Thiem, halting the 29-year-old’s attempt to reclaim the title he last won in 2019, and to win his first ATP Tour trophy since 2020.
Thiem has been struggling with injuries and form in recent years, and speaking after his win, Baez acknowledged the disappointment of the home crowd.
“I know all the people wanted Domi to win because he is from here, sorry,” said Baez on court. “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.”
In taking the win, Baez, 22, secured his second Tour title of the year, after winning another clay event in February, the Cordoba Open in his native Argentina.
Baez will advance to No. 47 in the world rankings after putting on a powerful display against Thiem, who appeared to be struggling for energy after playing three back-to-back three-set matches on his way to the final.
Thiem will also move up the rankings, to No. 89, having been as high as No. 3 in March 2020.
The match was delayed by an hour and a half due to rain, and when play began Baez converted four of six break points, and won in just 80 minutes.
Baez is something of a clay specialist so far in his nascent career, having also won the 2022 Estoril Open
“I just want to enjoy this moment. It was an amazing week," he added. "I will try to enjoy it with [my team]. We know the past few weeks were not the best results, so we will try to enjoy this moment.”
Elsewhere, Greek No. 4 seed Maria Sakkari secured her spot in the women's singles final at the Citi Open after an up-and-down match against No.1 seed Jessica Pegula.
Sakkari won 6-3 4-6 6-2 after a battle that lasted just over two hours. This marks Sakkari's first singles final appearance this year and her eighth overall.
She is now on the cusp of her second WTA Tour title.
Only Coco Gauff stands between the world No. 9 and that title after the American defeated defending champion Liudmila Samsonova in straight sets in the other semi final.
Gauff was in dominant form, blasting eight aces and not dropping a single service game.
She blazed into her second final of the season in 102 minutes, seeing off Samsonova 6-3 6-3.
The final is scheduled for Sunday.
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