Baez Powers Through Double Duty to Auckland Final

In Auckland‘s lingering summer heat, Sebastian Baez extends his perfect 2026 run with the poise of a player who’s already outrun expectations. The 25-year-old Argentine resumes his semifinal against top seed Ben Shelton leading 7-5, 0-1 after Thursday’s rain halt, and what follows is a break of the World No. 8’s serve that echoes his upset over Taylor Fritz at the United Cup last week. This marks his third Top 10 win overall and second this season, a tally that feels heavier with each passing match on these outdoor hard courts.

Rain’s pause sharpens baseline battles

Shelton’s left-handed power surges back upon resumption, his inside-out forehands skidding low off the ASB Classic surface, but Baez counters with deep, heavy topspin that forces errors in the longer rallies. He steps inside the baseline to take the big serves early, redirecting them crosscourt to disrupt the American’s rhythm, and converts the break at 1-1 in the second set before holding firm to close 6-1. The crowd’s energy builds with the humidity, their cheers punctuating Baez’s steady holds as he absorbs the pressure without a flicker, now leading their head-to-head 3-0.

That victory propels him up three spots to No. 36 in the live rankings, but the real test comes minutes later in a quarters-semifinal mashup against Marcos Giron. Baez dispatches the American 6-1, 6-4, leaning on a crisp 1–2 pattern from the baseline—flat backhand down-the-line followed by a topspin forehand winner—that exploits Giron’s second serve vulnerabilities. His movement stays fluid despite the quick turnaround, turning potential fatigue into focused aggression that pushes his season record to 7-0.

Mensik endures his own grueling shift

Across the complex, third seed Jakub Mensik mirrors the double-duty demand, advancing to his third ATP Tour final and first since stunning Novak Djokovic in Miami last March. The 20-year-old Czech overpowers big-serving Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4, 6-2, breaking the World No. 63 five times with returns that neutralize the Frenchman’s volleys and force mid-rally mistakes. Mensik’s flat groundstrokes thrive on the pace here, building momentum as the afternoon sun dips lower.

His semifinal against Fabian Marozsan, who had earlier navigated a delayed quarterfinal win over Eliot Spizzirri 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, turns into a three-set grinder. Mensik saves five set points in a marathon 7-6(9) first-set tiebreak, using crosscourt lobs to extend points and reset after dropping the second 4-6, then dominates the third 6-1 with inside-in forehands that pierce the Hungarian’s defense. At World No. 18, he carries the weight of Czech hopes, aiming to end the drought since Jiri Vesely‘s 2015 title here.

Final sets endurance against ambition

Into his 12th tour-level final at this ATP 250 event, Baez chases his eighth career title and second on hard courts, where his clay roots meet the surface’s quicker bounce. Against Mensik’s explosive returns and net rushes, expect Baez to vary pace with slice backhands, pulling the Czech forward into uncomfortable transitions while defending with looping topspin to buy time. The harborside air thickens with anticipation, both players fresh from the grind yet primed for a clash that could redefine their early-year trajectories.

Auckland’s fast courts favor the aggressor, but Baez’s tactical depth—mixing underspin slices with heavy balls—might force Mensik into errors during extended exchanges. As 2026’s narrative builds, this matchup tests not just skill but the quiet resolve to hold a perfect start or ignite a breakout run, with the winner emerging stronger for whatever the tour throws next.