‘Why Not Me?’ – Frances Tiafoe Inspires Argentinian Player to Create History at Estoril Open 2022

Argentine tennis player Sebastian Baez stunned the current world number 23 and former number 3 Marin Cilic in a thrilling three-set victory to secure his place in Estoril ATP 250 quarterfinals. In an almost two-hour-long game, Argentine won 1-6, 6-1, and 6-4. Notably, the first two sets lasted less than an hour.

The first set was complete domination from Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion showed his class to take the set 6-1. However, Sebastian quickly changed the momentum of the game in the second set and took the set  6-1. Sebastian got the better of the Croatian in almost an hour-long last set to win the match.

Baez Keeps Asking Questions

The confident 21-year-old has signed the camera again with a bold message asking, “Why not me?” He had done something similar two days ago. On that occasion, after eliminating the Portuguese João Sousa in the first round.

The 21-year-old signed the camera with the legend: “Because I do not?” the challenging message, which shows the confidence in his tennis that the Argentine exhibits in these times. Apparently, he took the quote from a bracelet Frances Tiafoe had on his hand.

Sebastian Baez battled an entire system last year to finish among the top 100 in the world. He fought against the freezing of the rankings, because of the pandemic. And also against the lack of opportunities.

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He did not receive any wild card throughout the season for ATP level tournaments, not even in those of his country, which did privilege some foreign players. No organizer “supported” him to occupy the place he earned today along with his team.

Sebastian Baez Reaches the Final of Estoril Open

On Saturday, the 59th-ranked Baez faced the defending champion Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the semifinals of the Estoril Open. Baez registered a brilliant come from behind victory. After letting two match points slip away during a second-set tie-break, it was all one-way traffic for the diminutive Argentine in the final set. Baez won 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-0 in two hours and 34 minutes to reach his second ATP tour-level title match this season.

Baez will lock horns with Frances Tiafoe in the title clash in their first head-to-head meet. Both players have found themselves on the edge of defeat multiple times this week. The American has spent a lot more time on the court. Going to a deciding set in every match and surviving long thrillers against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Sebastian Korda.

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While Baez lost a set on three occasions, his matches were much shorter. Should it go to a decider again, the 21-year-old might have an edge physically.

Both the contenders look strong to claim the title. It will be interesting to see if Baez succeeds against his inspiration or not. However, fans of Baez will hope for another question on the camera lens from Baez. after all, why not him?