CONCEPCION, February 22, 2021
Sebastian Baez has become the youngest ATP Challenger Tour champion from Argentina in 11 years. The 20-year-old from Buenos Aires took his maiden title at the Dove Men & Care Challenger Concepcion held at the Club de Campo Bellavista in Concepcion in Chile.
Baez fought past his compatriot Francisco Cerundolo 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(5) in Sunday’s singles final. The former junior World No. 1, who reached the final at 2018 Roland Garros, capitalized on five of his 11 break-point chances to seal victory in two hours and 40 minutes.
He’s done it! 💪
🇦🇷 @Seba_baez7 claims his maiden #ATPChallenger title in Concepcion!
The 20-year-old outlasts Fran Cerundolo 63 67(5) 76(5) in a marathon two hours and 40 minutes @ChallConcepcion. pic.twitter.com/UVOgpIXcGt
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 21, 2021
Following five title wins on the ITF Pro Circuit, Baez lifted his first Challenger trophy and pocketed $7,200 in prize money as well as 80 ATP Ranking points.
“I want to thank everyone who supported us… ‘Seba’ Gutiérrez, my coach, who has been doing an incredible job for a long time. There is still a long way to go and finishing this week like this was something I dreamed of. I did not come with so many expectations but achieved something very nice. I think that I am on a good way and this could be a starting point for something bigger,” Baez said.
“I like Concepcion, I felt very comfortable here. The people were very cool. The work of Eddie Fiumara and Horacio de la Peña… doing these tournaments in these difficult times of the pandemic is something incredible and you have to make the most of it. That these Challengers can be held in South America, in this current situation is something incredible and for that I want to congratulate everyone.”
The youngest #ATPChallenger champion from Argentina since 2010 🙌
At 20 years, 1 month, @Seba_baez7 is the youngest 🇦🇷 winner since a 19-year-old Federico Delbonis in Rome ’10. pic.twitter.com/ftZJNyK3kW
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 22, 2021
