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Francisco Cerundolo couldn't hide his happiness after winning his first ATP title as he described it as a childhood dream becoming reality. In the Bastad final, Cerundolo defeated fellow Argentine Sebastian Baez 7-6 (4) 6-2.
Cerundolo, who ended runner-up in Buenos Aires last year and reached the Miami Masters semifinal this year, has won his first ATP title just ahead of his 24th birthday. “It feels amazing," Cerundolo said after winning his first ATP title, per the ATP website.
"First of all, I want to congratulate Sebastian, not just for this week. You’ve been playing amazing since last year. [Winning the title] means a lot. Since you are a child you imagine yourself playing in these events and finals.
When I lost in Buenos Aires I was sad, because I was at home and I lost badly, but I learned a lot from that. I used it today, and I think I played a great match, a great week”.
Cerundolo overcame Baez in straight sets
Cerundolo lost his service in the opening game of the match, but broke back Baez in the second game.
After saving six break points in the 11th game for a 6-5 lead, Cerundolo missed out on two consecutive set points in the 12th game as Baez forced a tie-break. In the tie-break, Cerundolo took an early 4-0 lead, before realizing his fifth set point to win a tight opener.
After winning a tight first set, Cerundolo broke Baez twice in the second set to complete a straight-set win. “I think Francisco was better than me today, so congrats to him and his team too,” Baez said. “Tennis is one part of life, and I think we have to enjoy it when we lose and when we win.
The little things, we have to enjoy every time, so I enjoyed this week and I hope that next week will be better."