Sebastien Baez denied Dominic Thiem a valuable injury comeback title on Saturday as the Argentine interloper beat the Austrian 6-3, 6-1 to win the ATP Kitzbuhel event.
The 250 on clay was right up Thiem’s street after the former No. 3 won the home title in 2019.
Thiem has spent two years coming back from a wrist injury and had hopes of repeating his alpine trophy performance.
But Baez had other plans, with the Latin running off a 4-1 margin in the opening set and never under threat as he won his second trophy of the season in 80 minutes.
“I know all the people wanted Domi to win because he is from here, sorry” Baez said.
“I’m happy not just for today, but the whole week. I know this weather was not the best, but this place is amazing, and I enjoyed every day. I’m happy to take the match.”
Thiem is still polishing his match fitness and appeared to run out of puff after playing a trio of three-set matches this week.
The final was put by by 90 minutes due to mountain rain in the world-famed ski resort, venue for one of the toughest downhill races on the alpine World Cup circuit.
Baez broke on four of his six chances and now stands 2-0 over the Austrian who won the 2020 US Open.
Kitzbühelmarked a comeback for Beaz, who had lost four straight matches entering the event at the start of the week.
He will move to 47th while Thiem advances to No. 89 on the ATP list.
