Sebastian Baez Advances to Rio Open Final with Straight Set Victory

In the Rio Open, fifth-seeded Argentine Sebastian Baez secured a spot in the final by defeating compatriot Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets. Baez faced three set points at 4-5 in the opening set but went on to win 7-5, 6-0 earning his first semifinal victory above ATP 250 level. He will face Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone in the final aiming for his fifth tour level title.

Baez now ranked No. 23 could reach a career-high of No. 21 with a Rio Open title win. In the other semifinal, Navone continued his impressive week with a 6-4, 6-2 victory against a physically struggling Cameron Norrie becoming the first qualifier to reach an ATP 500 final since 2022.