Sebastian Baez Reflects on Taylor Fritz Mocking His Height: “I Really Didn’t Like It”

World No.7 Taylor Fritz holds a 5-1 head-to-head lead over World No.34 Sebastian Baez.

Sebastian Baez Reflects on Taylor Fritz Mocking His Height: “I Really Didn’t Like It”

Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Baez (Image via ESPN Tenis, Tiempo de Tenis)

In Short
  • Sebastian Baez expressed his displeasure over Taylor Fritz's mocking gesture regarding his height during their United Cup match.
  • Baez achieved his first victory over Fritz with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-4, despite initially being unaware of the gesture.
  • Baez is currently competing in the Argentina Open, aiming for his eighth career singles title after a challenging start to the season.

Sebastian Baez met Taylor Fritz in the group stage of the United Cup this year, and during the match, the American ace’s gesture offended the Argentine ace. Fritz made a provocative gesture by referring to Baez’s height.

Baez didn’t see it at that time, but his team member told him about it afterward. Although the World No.34 didn’t like it, he at least took satisfaction in defeating the World No.7 with a 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 scoreline.

When Seba said it to me on the court, I thought it was to give me more momentum. But later, when I saw it on video, I was like, ‘Holy sh*t…’ I didn’t like it. But I also knew it’s a celebration they do in the NBA; he’s American and a huge fan of those sports. But still, what I liked most was that after he did that gesture, I beat him. So, it was the best feeling I could have had.

Sebastian Baez told La Nacion

It was the first time Baez clinched a win over the 2024 US Open runner-up. Before this season, Baez had never won a set against the 28-year-old.

Team USA, which was defending its title, lost to eventual winners Poland in the semifinals. Fritz also lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas during the quarterfinals against Greece and to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz.

At the Australian Open, then, Lorenzo Musetti knocked Fritz out in straight sets in the fourth round. Fritz is currently participating in the Dallas Open, where the first set went past Marcos Giron to schedule a round of 16 clash with Brandon Nakashima. He has yet to win a title in the tournament.

Fritz’s participation in the Australian Open was uncertain at first as he has been dealing with a knee niggle since last year. Last year, he made three finals.

After winning two grass-court titles at the Stuttgart Open (beat Alexander Zverev) and Eastbourne International (beat Jenson Brooksby), Fritz lost to seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz in the Japan Open final. He has so far won 10 singles titles.

Sebastian Baez is playing at the Argentina Open

After losing the ASB Classic final to Jakub Mensik, Sebastian Baez suffered a second-round defeat at the hands of Luciano Darderi at the Australian Open. Baez is in Buenos Aires to participate in the ATP 250 Argentina Open.

Sebastian Baez
Sebastian Baez (Image via X/Tiempo de Tenis)

The matches here are always tough and very high-level. It’s a great tournament and a big challenge. It’s the biggest tournament we have in Argentina, and we always look forward to playing at home, in front of our fans. It’s something I want to enjoy. Today I’m experiencing it differently than the last two years because I feel like I’m back to being the player I used to be. But at the same time, it’s different because I’m older now, I have more experience, and a different mindset. I’ve always loved being able to play here with my people because, obviously, when you travel, you’re very much a visitor.

Baez will lock horns with Ignacio Buse to kick off his campaign in his home event. He’s also playing doubles with Juan Bautista Torres, and they will meet Eduardo Nava and Nicolas Barrientos in their opening round.

Baez is chasing his eighth career singles title in Buenos Aires. Last year, he reached three finals, winning one title. He defeated Alexandre Muller in the Rio Open final but failed to beat Laslo Djere and Flavio Cobolli in the Romanian Open. So far in his career, Baez has lifted two ATP 500 titles- the 2024 and the 2025 Rio Open, which he won by defeating Mariano Navone and Muller.

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