Baez Secures SF Spot In Milan
Sebastian Baez stepped up and delivered on the biggest stage Thursday at the Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals as he became the first South American to reach the semi-finals in the tournament’s history.
The Argentine had never played a tour-level hard-court match before this week, but he downed Hugo Gaston 4-3(2), 4-2, 4-2 in 67 minutes to advance from Group B in Milan.
“I feel great,” Baez said in his on-court interview. “It is not just for me, but my team as well. I am happy to have won this match, but we now need to think ahead to the next match. I think the key was to stay aggressive and concentrate all the time because Gaston is a dangerous player, so I am happy I did that.”
Baez held a 1-1 record going into his clash against the Frenchman, having beaten home favourite Lorenzo Musetti in his opening match, before he lost to Sebastian Korda on Wednesday.
With qualification on the line, Baez raised his level as he demonstrated great agility to chase down Gaston’s drop shots, while also opening his shoulders to hit through the World No. 67 to book his spot in the last four.
?? Sebastian Baez claims the third spot for the semis at the @intesasanpaolo #NextGenATPFinals ? pic.twitter.com/arK5kMyLi9
— Next Gen ATP Finals (@nextgenfinals) November 11, 2021
The 20-year-old hit 27 winners and broke Gaston four times en route to victory. Baez has enjoyed a standout 2021 season, capturing five ATP Challenger Tour titles, with all of his triumphs coming on clay.
The World No. 111 will learn whether he faces Group A winner Carlos Alcaraz or runner up Brandon Nakashima in the semi-finals following the conclusion of Korda’s match against Musetti later on Thursday. Musetti will qualify if he defeats Korda in straight sets or four sets, while Korda will secure his place in the last four with any other result. Recent Rolex Paris Masters quarter-finalist Gaston finishes the round-robin stage with a 0-3 record.