Match Report
Baez upsets Fritz at United Cup, gives Argentina lead
Gauff faces Sierra in the second match of the tie
January 03, 2026
Getty Images
Sebastian Baez in action on Saturday in Perth.
By ATP Staff
Sebastian Baez upset World No. 6 Taylor Fritz 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 on Saturday at the United Cup to record his second Top 10 win and give Argentina a 1-0 lead in its Group A tie against the United States in Perth.
The 25-year-old defeated Spain’s Jaume Munar in his opening match at the mixed-teams event on Friday and backed that up with one of the best performances of his career against Fritz, who showed signs of rustiness throughout the two hours and 35-minute clash.
“I am so happy right now,” Baez said. “We have been searching for this feeling for many years and I am happy to give this point to Argentina. Thank you to the crowd. I felt very comfortable today.”
Baez had lost his previous five Lexus ATP Head2Head meetings against Fritz but rallied from a set and a break down to give Argentina a 1-0 lead. The No. 45 player in the PIF ATP Live Rankings crucially saved a break point when serving for the match at 5-4 in the third set, sealing victory with a simple volley into the open court. Argentina defeated Spain 3-0 in its opening Group A tie and is well placed to qualify for the quarter-finals.
The United States is the defending champion at the United Cup and will need Coco Gauff to overcome Solana Sierra in the second match of the tie. Fritz won four of his five singles matches to help his country lift the trophy last season.
