Seyboth Wild makes history in Santiago, captures first ATP Title

Brazilian teenager Thiago Seyboth Wild capped off the month of February with his maiden ATP Title win at the Chile Open, smashing several records in the process.

The Next Gen star stifled a comeback from second seed Casper Ruud, outlasting the Norwegian 7-5 4-6 6-3 to win his first ATP Tour-level title.

By virtue of this win, the 19-year old became the youngest Brazilian titlist in ATP history. Furthermore, he became the youngest champion during the Latin Swing since an 18-year old Nadal won in Acapulco in 2005.

Additionally, Seyboth Wild became the lowest-ranked Tour-level winner from Brazil in ATP history. Ranked at No.182 prior to the tournament, the Brazilian rises to a new career high of World No.113.

Seyboth Wild entered the Chile Open with just two career tour-level wins, but proceeded to have the best week of his professional career. The Brazilian upset fifth seed Juan Ignacio Londero in the second round, and defeated top-seeded Chilean Cristian Garin when the home favorite retired due to a leg injury in the quarterfinals.

After storming past Argentine qualifier Renzo Olivo in the semifinals, Seyboth Wild carried the momentum into his first ATP final. The Brazilian withstood a nervous collapse to escape a 1-3 hole in the first set, before breaking back to level the score at 3-3. Both men remained steady on serve until Ruud finally faltered at 5-6, sending a forehand long and giving the teenager the opening set.

There was no exchange of breaks in the second set, until Seyboth Wild finally cracked under the pressure at 4-4. The Brazilian hit numerous errant shots to give Ruud the break, and the Buenos Aires champion was able to serve out the set.

It was only appropriate that this went to a deciding set, and Seyboth Wild secured the early break when Ruud sent a forehand long. With a 2-0 lead, the teenager remained unshakeable on serve. After two hours and 17 minutes, Ruud finally sent a backhand long, handing the Brazilian his maiden ATP trophy.

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