Stefanos Tsitsipas overcomes challenging test against Sebastian Baez to book Madrid Open last-16 spot

Stefanos Tsitsipas booked his spot in the Madrid Open last-16 after battling past Sebastian Baez to win 7-5 3-6 6-3.

In a tight encounter at Manolo Santana Stadium, the No. 4 seed rattled off the final four games of a tight opening set – which he trailed 3-4 at one point – to take the lead.

However, the Argentine built a 3-0 lead in the second set before he pulled level to set up a thrilling decider as he threatened to cause an upset.

Just like he had in the first set, Tsitsipas replied well as he posted the last three games of the third set. He broke for 5-3 and then saved two break points to serve out the match, including one with an ace, to cap off a thrilling match and advance to the round of 16.

The win improves Tsitsipas’ record to 8-2 on clay this season as he continues the push for his first trophy of the season following defeats in the final at the Australian Open and last week in Barcelona.

Tsitsipas, who came runner-up at the Madrid Open in 2019 and 2022, will play home favourite Bernabe Zapata Miralles in the round of 16 as he continues his bid to go one step further.

Miralles beat Roman Safiullin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to set up a tie with Tsitsipas.

The Greek is on the favourable side of the draw and if he manages to win the tournament he could rise as high as No. 3 in the ATP rankings.

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