Frenchman Arthur Cazaux (78th) won his first round of the Australian Open against Argentinian Sebastian Baez (28th) 6-3, 5-7, 3-6, 6-0, 6-3, Monday in Melbourne, and joins the second round.
Eighth finalist in Australia last season, after having notably eliminated the 13th player in the world Holger Rune, Cazaux, as in 2024 against Laslo Djere, won his first round after five sets.
Despite conceding a break at the start, he was the strongest in the decisive round against an opponent who has not won a match since the first round of the US Open.
Before being able to cross paths with Alexander Zverev, the No.2 seed, in the third round, the 22-year-old Frenchman will face the Australian Nick Kyrgios or the Briton Jacob Fearnley.
Trailing two sets to one after almost 2h30 of play, the Montpellier native was able to raise the bar to snatch a decisive set, pocketing the fourth set 6 games to 0. To do this, he converted his first two break points but above all saved four while leading 2-0.
In the final round, Baez came back with better intentions and took advantage of the absence of the Frenchman’s first ball to break from the start. Trailing 3-1, Cazaux then lined up five games in a row to regain control and win on his second match point.
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