AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Third-seeded Jakub Mencik hit 18 aces to beat Sebastian Baez 6-3, 7-6 (7) within the ATP 250 event finals on Saturday.
The 20-year-old from the Czech Republic, ranked 18th, overcame three set factors within the second set tie-break to win his second ATP Tour title.
He’ll now head to the Australian Open, the place he’ll face Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta within the first spherical. Baez, who defeated top-seeded American Ben Shelton within the quarterfinals in Auckland, will face Giovanni Mpesi Pericado within the first spherical in Melbourne.
Mensik received the primary set in 31 minutes with 11 aces and served for the second set at 6-5. However Baez broke Baez for the primary time within the match and led 6-3 within the tiebreak earlier than Mensik scored three consecutive factors.
Mensik earned his second match level along with his 18th ace and took the ultimate level off Baez’s serve to seal the match.
“I’d say it has been a terrific begin to the 12 months,” Mensik mentioned. “Clearly I am very glad after the preparation and pre-season. Seb is a good fighter. It is troublesome to attain the successful aim towards him.”
