Stefanos Tsitsipas overcame a fierce challenge from Sebastian Baez to reach the last 16 at the 2023 Madrid Open.
In an electrifying display of tennis, the Greek managed to stave off a relentless and skillful Baez in a grueling three-setter, securing a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory at the 2023 Madrid Open. The match showcased both players' exceptional abilities, with Tsitsipas ultimately emerging victorious from a mental battle as much as a physical one.
Baez, who has been likened to a 'cheetah' for his exceptional court coverage and agility, proved to be a difficult opponent for Tsitsipas, who went more than an hour without missing a first serve in the previous match. Despite the Greek's impressive 8-2 record on clay this season, he had to dig deep to overcome the Argentinian.
The match was an intense rollercoaster, with momentum shifting back and forth between the two players. Tsitsipas managed to claw back from a 3-5 deficit in the opening set, capitalizing on his powerful forehand wing to seize control.
After facing a set point and being 3-5 down, the Greek broke back and added one more break of his opponent's serve to win the first set 7-5. Baez, however, was undeterred and stormed to a 3-0 lead in the second set, ultimately claiming it 6-3 after holding on all of his following service games.
As the deciding set unfolded, both players showcased their mental fortitude, with no break points offered until the final two games. Tsitsipas then stepped up, breaking Baez's serve for a 5-3 lead and fending off two break points of his own to close out the match, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-3. After the match, the Greek said:
"He made it very difficult for me. Honestly, it was demanding in a lot of ways. I had to bring the best out of my game. He wasn't missing much. Of course he's someone that covers and runs around the court pretty well. He definitely utilised that pretty well against me, being able to navigate himself throughout the entire court with ease, just gliding through the court like a cheetah."
Reflecting on the match, Tsitsipas acknowledged the mental challenge posed by Baez, who fought for every single point. The Greek admitted to being tested in a way that required perseverance and inner strength, attributes that he successfully drew upon to emerge victorious after two hours and 12 minutes of captivating tennis.
"I'm glad I served well in some moments, in that last game. He wasn't going to give up. He really fought for every single point and I'm glad obviously that I overcame this because it was more — not so much of a physical [battle] — it was more of a mental battle I underwent and I had to persevere there and show myself that I'm much stronger in terms of handling those situations and fighting back."
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