Fritz's Controversial Gesture Towards Baez

Mocked for his height after a taunting lob from Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Baez found the best response: a stunning victory, forged in rage and pride. A look back at a duel where provocation changed everything.

© AFP

Clément Gehl

le 04/01/2026 à 11h54

1 min to read

Baez Sebastian Fritz Taylor

Sebastian Baez, standing at 5'7" (1.70m), is among the shortest players on the ATP tour, a physical detail he has often turned into a strength through his speed and combativeness. But during his match against Taylor Fritz in the United Cup this Saturday, this aspect was highlighted in a much more controversial way.

During the encounter, after perfectly executing a lob, the American made a mocking gesture referencing his opponent's height. An attitude that did not go unnoticed, even though Baez did not directly see the scene.

David ultimately defeated Goliath

Informed by his team during the following changeover, the Argentine then became aware of what had happened. An episode that seems to have acted as a real trigger.

Stung to the quick, Baez doubled down on intensity and determination, raising his level of play against a Fritz who was nonetheless the favorite on paper. Solid in key moments and mentally flawless, the Argentine ultimately managed to turn the situation around to win after a tight match, with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.