RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- Argentine Sebastian Baez will be aiming to become the first back-to-back Rio Open champion when he meets Frenchman Alexandre Muller in the final of South America's biggest tournament on Sunday.
Baez progressed by overcoming countryman Camilo Carabelli 3-6, 6-1, 6-1 on the outdoor clay of the Jockey Club Brasileiro on Saturday.
"I'm so proud, because the last few weeks have been a little tough for me," said Baez, who entered the tournament with just one victory on the ATP tour this year.
"I didn't feel very well this week, so I am happy to [have] recovered my body, my mind, my tennis… I'm so happy to be in a new final here in Rio, it's so special."
Baez put 75 percent of his first serves in play and converted six of 10 break points to take the match an hour and 45 minutes.
While the world No. 31, who beat compatriot Mariano Navone in last year's final, will be vying for his seventh career title, Muller is seeking just his second triumph and first in the ATP 500 category.
Muller advanced by accounting for Argentine Francisco Comesana 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-3 earlier on Saturday.
The 28-year-old won 73 percent of his first-serve points and saved five of eight break points to prevail in two hours and 56 minutes.
"There is one more match," 58th-ranked Muller said. "But I'm grateful to be the first French player through to the final in Rio."
The Rio Open is the only ATP 500 tournament in South America and the only ATP tour event in Brazil. ■
