Sebastian Baez is looking to defend his Rio de Janeiro title after beating Camilo Ugo Carabelli for a second straight week.
Baez looked to be in trouble after dropping the opening set 3-6, but eventually found his footing. He went on to win the second and third sets routinely, making the final score 3-6, 6-1, 6-1. The win puts Baez into his second straight Rio de Janeiro final, where he’ll look to defend his title.
Baez was able to serve well, tallying seven aces and zero double faults. He created ten break points and converted on six of them.
This win means that Baez will be chasing history. With a win in the final, he can become the first man ever to capture two Rio de Janeiro titles. For Ugo Carabelli, he can hold his head high after a successful week. He’s projected to move up 22 spots in the PIF ATP Live Rankings and is guaranteed to reach a new career high.
“I’m so proud, because the last weeks were a little tough for me,” said Baez, who entered the tournament with just one tour-level win in 2025. “I didn’t feel very well this week, so I am happy to [have] recovered my body, my mind, my tennis… I’m so happy to be in a new final here in Rio, it’s so special.“
“It’s always difficult to play some guys you have known since we were kids. He [Ugo Carabelli] is doing a very good job, so congrats to him and to his team. I’m happy with my level today, this week.”
The tough stretch Baez is referring to included a first round loss at the Australian Open, a semi-final loss in a Challenger event, and a Round of 16 loss last week to Seyboth Wild at the Argentina Open. Baez finding his best tennis on clay should not come as a surprise, as he’s won five of his six career titles on the surface.
Baez awaits the winner of the semi-final match being played between Francisco Comesana and Alexandre Muller.
