Baez Spoils Thiem’s Kitzbuhel Title Bid In Final Clay Event Of 2023

After saving match points in one of his best matches in years yesterday in the semifinals, Dominic Thiem couldn’t muster any magic today in the final going down in 6-3, 6-1 to Sebastian Baez in front of his home fans in Kitzbuhel.

“I know all the people wanted Domi to win because he is from here, sorry,” Baez told the crowd. “I’m happy not just for today, but the whole week. All the people, the crowd, made me feel so comfortable here this week. I know this weather is not the best, but this place is amazing, and I enjoyed every day. I’m happy to take the match.

“Congrats to Domi and his team. It was a great week, so I hope he comes back to his best level.”

In his first tour-level final since the ATP Finals in 2020, Thiem fell behind early in both sets, going down 3-1 in the first and 1-0 in the second as the 22-year-old Baez cruised past the former US Open champion who had little to offer after the epic win over Laslo Djere last night.

Baez collects his 3rd career title in his 5th final. It’s he second win this year after Cordoba.

Thiem was seeking his 18th career title, first title since the 2020 US Open. This was his 29th career final, first title since the 2020 ATP Tour Finals.

Kitzbuhel also marked the end to the 2023 tour-level clay season.

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