It was an eventful week on the ATP Tour, with three tournaments taking place in three different countries on two different surfaces. It marked the end of the clay-court season, as well, with the final such event wrapping up the dirt festivities in Kitzbuhel, Austria. There was also a 250-point tournament on the hard courts of Los Cabos, while the U.S. Open Series continued with an ATP 500 in Washington, D.C.
Baez denies Thiem in Austria
Dominic Thiem came within one win of triumphing in front of the home crowd in Kitzbuhel, but Sebastian Baez rolled to the Generali Open title with a 6-3, 6-1 beatdown. Thiem had come back from a set down in three consecutive matches heading into the final, including a three-hour and 30-minute battle with Laslo Djere in the semis.
“I know all the people wanted Domi to win because he is from here,” Baez noted. “I’m happy not just for today, but the whole week. All the people, the crowd, made me feel so comfortable here this week. I know this weather is not the best, but this place is amazing and I enjoyed every day. I’m happy to take the match. Congrats to Domi and his team. It was a great week; I hope he comes back to his best level.”
Tsitsipas beats De Minaur in Los Cabos
Stefanos Tsitsipas has captured titles on every surface after lifting the Mifel Tennis Open Trophy in Los Cabos. Tsitsipas, who dropped only one set all week long, defeated Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4 in the final. The Greek is now 10-0 in the head-to-head series against De Minaur at the ATP level.
Tsitsipas had won titles on clay, grass, and indoor hard courts during his career–but never on an outdoor hard court.
“I feel like both of us wanted to go out on the court today and show a great final,” the world No. 4 commented. “I feel like it was a great match. Alex showed great tennis. I tried to keep up with the level as much as I could. I’m really happy we were able to deliver a great final today. I think that is the thing that stands out the most. It was a great match and the crowd, as always, was fully present and engaged.”
Evans ends slump with shocking title in Washington, D.C.
Dan Evans went into the Citi Open with a horrendous 1-8 record in his last nine matches. During that stretch he had not beaten anyone other than world No. 280 James McCabe. The crafty and somewhat volatile Brit had an 8-18 record overall for the season, too.
From completely out of nowhere, though, Evans made a run to the Washington, D.C. title–which he completed with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Tallon Griekspoor.
“I wasn’t playing very well and I wasn’t happy with my game,” the 33-year-old admitted. “To do the work I’ve done and to stick with it and come through is [amazing]. The last game sort of summed up my week; I got out of trouble. I really appreciate all the support.”
absurd result in DC