Mensik blasts to Auckland title ahead of Australian Open / Photo: Michael Bradley - AFP
Mensik blasts to Auckland title ahead of Australian Open
Rising Czech star Jakub Mensik used his booming serve to overwhelm Sebastian Baez in the Auckland Classic final Saturday and complete a compelling build-up for the Australian Open.
Big-hitting Mensik sent down 18 aces to win 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) and secure a second career title following victory at last year's Miami Open.
The 20-year-old, the youngest player with a ranking in the world's top 25, showed he could be a threat at the year's first major at Melbourne Park, where he is seeded 16.
The tall European had too many weapons for his 39th-ranked Argentine opponent, mixing an aggressive serve with deft touches at the net.
Mensik broke once in each set and needed a fightback to win the tiebreak, saving three set points on the way.
He said he was thrilled with his serving game.
"After pre-season, obviously you're not in rhythm and you're coming for a season with a lot of energy," Mensik said in a court-side interview.
"So I'm super happy that I showed a performance that I wanted.
"Seb is a great fighter and it's super-difficult to hit a winner against him.
"I was able to stay focused and keep the spirit to the end."
The tournament proved demanding for both players, who had to play their quarter-finals and semi-finals on Friday because of rain delays.
Baez, who has won six of his seven titles on clay, knocked out top-seeded American Ben Shelton in the quarter-finals.
It was a first loss this year for the 25-year-old Baez, who won all three matches at last week's United Cup, including an upset of American world number nine Taylor Fritz.
Ch.Schroeder--RTC
