The national cast was in an unbeatable position in the Qualifiers. He wins 2-0 in the series that takes place at the BALTC after the triumphs of Báez and Diego Schwartzman and on Saturday he will try to secure his ticket to the Finals in the double that will play Horacio Zeballos and Máximo González.
The weather made many doubt, although in the end it was never a real threat. The native of Buenos Aires came out to play his match with Jiri Lehecka, No. 1 from the Czech Republic, under light rain. The worst part had already passed and the consequence was a slow and heavy court.
It took Báez a few games to adjust to the situation. At 21 years old, an exceptional 2021 and a few hours after playing his first ATP final in Santiago de Chile, the Davis Cup debut could be an emotional setback. But none of that happened.
The best moment for the Buenos Aires native came in the worst situation: when Lehecka led 5-3 to win the first set, he raised his level with a lot of determination and character. After recovering the break, in the tie break he unleashed all his potential and managed to put the advantage on his side.
Intense, active, energetic, he never stopped carrying out his game plan. He was even encouraged to close many points in the network, a clear sign that the challenge did not intimidate him.
Between the final points of the first set and the first of the second, the number 62 in the world ignited the public, whether due to the weather or the time, he did not fill the stands of the Guillermo Vilas Central Court. The thing is Báez’s attitude on the court is contagiousbecause he never gives up, and when something goes wrong, he quickly puts it behind him and starts again.
Lehecka had tools to put pressure on the second Argentine singles player. As if it were an immature version of the historic Tomas Berdych, he punished everything he could, but the tenacity of the former youth world number 1 weighed more. This is the moment for Báez, who won the first point 7-6 (4) and 6-3. His debut in the senior team – he finished third in the junior Davis Cup in 2016 – was another solid step in his evolution.
“I started a little nervous, but later I found my game. I was prepared for any situation, whether I felt good or bad, I had the tools to get out of every situation. There are days when things go better and others worse.asserted after the game who became the 85th Argentine player to play the Davis Cup.
“I always liked representing Argentina, because it makes me get a little more. It’s very nice to play with your audience and encourage you like that. It is one of the things that most motivates an athlete”Báez was sincere, who started applause and shouts in several sections of the game.
The first game of the day was marked by debuts. Not only did Báez play his first point in the Argentine Davis Cup team, but it was also Coria’s debut as captain. And it couldn’t have been a better day for the “Wizard”.
The day began with the national anthem sung by Sofía Menconi, wife of Zeballos, and the national host could not hold back his tears. Then it was a bunch of sensations, from nerves to happiness, from containment to motivation.
It goes without saying that Schwartzman’s 2-6, 6-2 and 6-3 defeat of Tomas Machac kept him on edge longer than the outcome of the Báez clash. He jumped out of the chair, clapped his hands, crossed his legs and finally broke free.
It was difficult for “Peque”, like each of the local performances. This time he knew how to recover in time and after a very erratic first set and a second in which he started with a break against, he reversed course and won nine games in a row. The decisive part was to consolidate the improvement and seal the 2-0 for Argentina.
The conclusion of the match showed a measured Coria, mainly because the pass to the group stage of the Finals is not finalized. He was more active and participatory during the matches than once the national advantage materialized.
“I am very happy to finish the first day 2-0 up. We prepared for these games, knowing that they were going to be tough. It is a very strong debut, meeting people again after so many years was wonderful. I loved it, I enjoy it but I also have tension”expressed the national captain after the games.
“I was very intense when I played, very passionate, so I turned to Leo Mayer and ‘Tero’ García (NdR: his collaborators), who are calmer. Between the three of us we strengthen each other very well and we advise each other”pointed out the “Wizard” before the consultation of Ambit about how he managed emotions.
Argentina ends the first day of the Qualifiers with a predictable advantage over the Czech Republic. The evolution of the series invites us to trust in a quick resolution starting at 11 this Saturday, although the threat of heavy rains leaves an unknown in the future. The only certainty is that the debut of Báez and Coria in the Davis Cup team was celebrated.
Source: Ambito
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