Sebastian Baez cruises past Mariano Navone to win Rio Open title

Field Level Media|published: Sun 25th February, 19:27 2024

Jan 19, 2024; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sebastian Baez of Argentina plays a shot against Jannik Sinner (not pictured) of Italy in Round 3 of the Men's Singles on Day 6 of the Australian Open tennis at Margaret Court Arena. credits: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 seed Sebastian Baez took down qualifier Mariano Navone 6-2, 6-1 in an all-Argentine final at the Rio Open on Sunday in Rio de Janeiro.

Baez, who entered the week ranked No. 30 in the world, earned the first ATP 500-level title of his career. The 23-year-old won three times last season at the 250 level, including in Cordoba, Argentina.

Baez not only won 23 of his 34 first-service points (67.6 percent), but also 35 of his 60 return points (58 percent) en route to dominating Navone in 82 minutes.

Navone, 22, had not won a match on the ATP Tour before this week. He stunned No. 2 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in straight sets in the semifinals. Come Sunday, Navone was able to save 8 of 14 break points he faced while converting 2 of 3 opportunities to break Baez.

—Field Level Media