By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday May 1, 2022
Sebastian Baez claimed his maiden ATP title on Sunday, defeating Frances Tiafoe in straight sets for the trophy in Estoril.
Photo Source: Getty
Sebastian Baez took his inspiration from Frances Tiafoe at the Estoril Open this week. Then he took him down.
The 21-year-old Argentinian defeated Tiafoe, 6-3, 6-2, on Sunday to claim his first ATP title.
It was a battle of the “Why not me?” mentality in the final. When Baez’s coach, Sebastian Gutierriez, noticed Tiafoe wearing a bracelet that said “Why not me?” on television recently, he encouraged his charge to embrace the same mentality.
Baez did so at Estoril, signing the camera with the slogan after each of his first four wins. But things changed after the final – after his win Baez wrote “Yes it’s Me!”
"Unbelievable job by Sebastian. He deserved it. He played better than me today," Tiafoe said as he addressed the crowd after the final.
The 24-year-old American saved three match points to defeat Sebastian Korda in the semifinals on Saturday, but the fact that he had played four consecutive three-setters at Estoril to reach the final left him sapped on Sunday.
Baez won 12 of the final 15 games, and afterwards thanked Tiafoe for the inspiration.
“First I want to say congrats to Frances,” Baez said. “You were an inspiration for me this week. You are a great player and a great man. I really hope you have a great career… Why not me, and why not you, man?”
The 21-year-old will make his Top-50 debut next week, rising from 59 to 40 in the rankings. Tiafoe will also make a career-high, jumping up to No.25.