Thiago Monteiro turns around and beats Baez to advance to the last 16 of the Rio Open | open river

The two South American players had already met on the field twice in their football careers, with Sebastian victories, without Thiago being able to win a single set.

– First of all, thanks to everyone who came to support. There’s no doubt that this energy makes a huge difference. I felt supported from start to finish, and got goosebumps throughout the match. It’s very special to win here. Undoubtedly very happy with the victory. Bayes is a very tough competitor. The two matches I played with him were very easy. Today it started 6/1 for him, I was really desperate (laughs) – said Thiago.

Thiago felt the history against Baez at the start of the match. The Argentine played very comfortably throughout the first half, taking advantage of the points of the second serve and making it difficult for the Brazilian to come back.

Montero was broken three times and saw the opponent win 6/1. But the reaction in the second set began with the Brazilian tennis player improving on his fundamentals. Thiago Monteiro put in better, gaining confidence and winning the first half to open 3/1 in the second.

Baez solidified the match, but the Brazilian remained aggressive, diversified hits and managed to win the set by 6/4, and tied the match. The good moment continued at the start of the third quarter, as Thiago broke the Argentine’s serve on the first serve pass.