'Sorry' Baez sweeps past home hope Thiem for Kitzbuehel title

Austria's Dominic Thiem, playing his first final in nearly three years, was swept aside 6-3, 6-1 by Sebastian Baez in Kitzbuehel on Saturday with the Argentine champion apologising for winning.

Former world number three Thiem had sunk to the depths of the rankings, to 352nd in 2022 two years after his US Open triumph.

The 29-year-old has been fighting his way back after a wrist injury, and was ranked 116th when he arrived in Kitzbuehel after losing nine of his ten matches played in 2023.

He showed fatigue after a marathon three-and-a-half-hour semi-final against Serb Laslo Djere, where the 2019 champion saved five match points.

His Argentinian rival, ranked 72, dominated the rain-delayed tie for his third career title after Cordoba this season and Estoril last year, all on clay.

"I know all the people wanted Domi to win because he is from here, sorry," said Baez to the crowd in his on-court interview.

"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."

The 22-year-old raced to a 4-1 lead in the opening set, and reeled off four straight games in the second, converting four of six break points, to win through in 80 minutes.

With his title run, the Argentine has risen 25 spots to 47 in the ATP rankings.

Thiem is set to return to the Top 100 on Monday to 89th.