Argentine tennis player Sebastián Báez defeated Brazil’s ThomaZ Bellucci 6-3, 6-2 after 1 hour 36 minutes of play in the first round of the Rio Open. The 35th ranked player in the world will face Peruvian-Chilean Juan Pablo Varillas in the second round.
tournament results
tournament draw
Sebastian Baez He is coming off a strange season in which he won a championship and has a 17-game losing streak in his last 18 games. In 2022, he became the champion Estoril ATP 250. In addition, he played in the final ATP 250 of Santiago and Bastad. In addition to other results, he reached the quarterfinals in Córdoba and Lyon. Until the beginning of July, his form was great, but then he suffered from a serious lack of confidence, which led him to miss many consecutive games. This streak continued in 2023 when he was eliminated in the first round of the year Pune, Auckland and Australian Open. However, he broke it with the title Córdoba. In the previous week, it fell rapidly Buenos Aires.
Thomas Bellucci he received a special invitation to play his last tournament as a professional tennis player. His career best was seen in 2010, when he reached world number 21. He won four championships during his career ATP 250: Gstaad 2009 and 2012, Santiago 2010 and Geneva 2015. His best result in a Grand Slam was the fourth round Roland Garros 2010. In addition, he reached the semi-finals Madrid M1000 in 2011. The last match he had played on the course was in qualifying Szczecin challenger last season.
Baez takes it in straight sets
Sebastian Baez and Thomas Bellucci they met in the first round River open.
The beginning of the match was dominated by the Argentinian, who marked clear physical and hierarchical differences, putting himself three games ahead. Although Bellucci came into the game later, added plays, showed lightning right hand and interesting technical gestures, Báez was clearly superior and went ahead. 6-3 in 47 minutes.
Already in the second round, the Argentinian took a place in the match, every point was in his hands, he took the initiative and led his victory with a double break. Later, Bellucci gave everything to stay in the game, releasing his palms and cutting points. However, Báez remained calm to move forward 6-3, 6-2 after 1h36min.
