ATP Winston-Salem: Baez wins first hard court title
Sebastian Baez secured the title against Jiri Lehecka 6: 4, 6: 4 at the 250 ATP event in Winston Salem.
by Daniel Hofmann
last edit: Aug 27, 2023, 12:49 am
For the Argentine, it is the fourth title on the ATP Tour and still a very special success: the 22-year-old has won all previous titles on sand. Baez was also crowned champion on the Challenger Tour with six titles exclusively on the ashes. Now the first title succeeded on a hard surface. After his title in Kitzbühel, it was the next direct success, so Baez has now been unbeaten for ten matches.
For Lehecka it was the first final participation on the ATP Tour and therefore certainly an experience that many fans classify as instructive for the 21-year-old Czech. Lehecka was able to get a break in both sets, but couldn't maintain the level afterwards.
Lehecka collapses after taking the lead
After a 2-0 lead in the second set, however, Lehecka broke down and conceded two breaks in a row, giving her the chance to return to the match. Baez is thus approaching his career high from April of 30th place. Lehecka will occupy exactly this place at the start of the US Open on Monday.