Baez eases Argentina into United Cup with steady win

In the sun-dappled light of RAC Arena, World No. 45 Sebastian Baez arrived for his United Cup debut carrying the subtle tension of a new year. The 24-year-old clay specialist faced the quicker bounce of Perth’s hard courts, but he adapted swiftly against Jaume Munar, securing a 6-4, 6-4 win in one hour and 43 minutes. This straight-sets effort gave Argentina a 1-0 lead over Spain on Day 1, the crowd’s cheers building as Baez’s baseline grind took hold.

Early pressure meets tactical poise

Baez entered 2026 with his last Top 50 victory lingering from February, when he beat then-No. 46 Mariano Navone en route to the Rio title. That gap had weighed on him, especially transitioning to hard courts where points shorten against his preferred rally style. He countered Munar’s probing returns with heavy topspin forehands, keeping rallies crosscourt to control the tempo from the baseline.

The first set stayed tight at 4-4, Munar‘s steady defense forcing Baez to vary his shots. An inside-out forehand pulled the Spaniard wide, opening space for a down-the-line backhand break that shifted momentum. In the humid air, Baez’s focus sharpened, the Argentine supporters sensing his growing command amid the extended exchanges.

Serve anchors the second-set surge

As the match mirrored its opening frame, Baez leaned on his serve—a flat 1–2 pattern that pinned Munar back during key holds. The Spaniard sliced low to disrupt rhythm, but Baez stepped inside the baseline, turning those underspin shots into opportunities for inside-in forehand winners. Sweat traced his movements, yet he held firm, refusing to let the surface’s speed unravel his game.

Serving at 5-4, Baez erased a break point with a deep second-serve kicker, forcing an error from Munar. The decisive point came on a crosscourt forehand that kissed the line, sealing the match and drawing roars from the partisan crowd. This efficiency not only ended his Top 50 drought but boosted his ranking points, inching him toward career highs.

Team lift sets Perth tone

Baez’s adaptability on these Aussie hard courts highlights how clay players can thrive in mixed-team pressure. With Argentina now ahead, the tie’s doubles and women’s matches gain breathing room, his confidence rippling through the squad. As Spain prepares a response, Baez’s opener suggests a week of sustained drive, turning individual resolve into national momentum.