Tennis News: Francisco Cerundolo beats Sebastian Baez to win his maiden ATP Tour trophy

Francisco Cerundolo upped his game at the right moments despite excellent baseline play from Sebastian Baez to win the championship match 7-6(4), 6-2 at the ATP 250 event. It was the second appearance of Francisco Cerundolo in the final after he missed out on his maiden ATP title to compatriot Diego Schwartzman at the 2021 Buenos Aires Open final.

Sebastian Baez started aggressively and won six breakpoints. However, an extended rally in the 11th game proved decisive for Francisco Cerundolo as the match went into a tiebreak. The 23-year-old Argentinian raced to a 4/0 lead in the opening set tiebreak, following which Sebastian Baez committed a double fault. Francisco Cerundolo won the dramatic first set after one hour and 14 minutes of play to gain a one-set advantage.

Francisco Cerundolo continued with his winning ways in the second set as he dictated the game's flow with his forehand. He saved nine of 10 break points he faced and converted three off of 11 opportunities. Sebastian Baez lost his rhythm and failed to match the intensity and rhythm of his compatriot. Francisco Cerundolo broke the serve of Sebastian Baez twice in the second set before clinching the second set 6-2 in just 35 minutes to win his maiden ATP Tour level title.

After winning the trophy, Francisco Cerundolo said, "Winning the title means a lot. Since you are a child, you imagine yourself playing in these events and finals. When I lost in Buenos Aires, I was sad because I was at home and I lost badly, but I learned a lot from that. I used it today, and I think I played a great match, a great week."

The victory will be a significant milestone in the career of Francisco Cerundolo. The title victory in Bastad pushed him to a career-high ranking of World No. 30 on Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time in his career.