ATP Auckland: Menšík defeats Báez to claim his second career title

On January 17th Beijing time, the ATP250 Auckland tournament held its men's singles final, where 20-year-old Czech player Menšík came back from a 3-6 deficit in the second set tiebreak, saving three match points in a row, to ultimately beat Báez 6-3, 7-6(7). This victory marks his second tour title since last year's Miami Masters and makes him the youngest men's singles champion at the event since Del Potro in 2009.

Menšík profile photo

"This is a perfect start to the year," Menšík said during the trophy ceremony. "After winter training, being able to perform at my best here makes me really happy. Everyone knows that at the start of a new season, players haven't fully found their rhythm yet, but we all compete with full energy. This win means a lot to me."

Seeded third at the tournament, Menšík delivered an impressive performance in his first meeting with Báez, serving 18 aces and achieving a first-serve win rate of 95% throughout the match.

"Báez is a tough fighter, and it's very hard to hit winners against him," Menšík analyzed after the match. "When I was leading 6-5 in the second set, although my serving was strong overall, he took advantage of several second serves. Being down 3-6 in the tiebreak... I'm glad I stayed focused and fought until the very end."

With this title, Menšík will rise one spot to No. 17 in the rankings next Monday. He will then head to Melbourne, where he is seeded 16th in this year's Australian Open men's singles and will face Spain's Busta in the first round.

(Text and editing by Wang Fei; photo courtesy of Visual China)