Sebastian Baez Wins Rio ATP Title with a Smooth Move Past Mariano Navone

Sebastian Baez won the Rio ATP clay-court event on Sunday, clinching his sixth championship with ease against fellow Argentine Mariano Navone in straight sets.

After defeating Navone, ranked 113th after qualifying, 6-2, 6-1, Baez, 23, will move up to a career-high 21 in the world on Monday.

“I felt great here all week. As I’ve said before, the people, the audience, everything makes me think of home,” Baez remarked.

“I spent a week here during the preseason, so I know the area and the people, and I had a great time both on and off the court.”

Before the Rio competition, Navone had not won a match on the main tour. However, he made it to the final in spectacular fashion, taking out the reigning champion Cameron Norrie in the semi-finals.

On Sunday, however, he never seemed to settle down and lost in 83 minutes after swiftly going a double break down to behind 4-0.

Six of Baez’s fourteen break points were converted.

Baez said, “I think it’s so important because you’ll be more nervous in your first final.”

“I believe that was the key because I started both sets so well.”

Navone will advance to 60 in the world and, in spite of the loss, have the satisfaction of being the first person to break into the top 100.