AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Third-seeded Jakub Mensik served 18 aces Saturday on his approach to a 6-3, 7-6 (7) win over Sebastien Baez within the remaining of the ATP 250 match in Auckland.
The 20-year-old from the Czech Republic, ranked 18th, saved three set factors within the second-set tiebreak to say his second ATP Tour title.
He now heads to the Australian Open through which he’ll play Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta within the first spherical. Baez, who beat top-seeded American Ben Shelton within the quarterfinals in Auckland, will play Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard within the first spherical in Melbourne,
Mensik breezed via the primary set in 31 minutes with 11 aces and served for the second set at 6-5. However Baez broke him for the primary time within the match and led 6-3 within the tiebreak earlier than Mensik gained three straight factors.
Mensik gained his second match level along with his 18th ace, then took the ultimate level off Baez’s serve to seal the match.
“I’d say it has been a fantastic begin of the yr,” Mensik mentioned. “Clearly, I am tremendous pleased after the preparation and pre-season. Seb is a good fighter. It is troublesome to hit a winner towards him.”
