“I’ve seen the city, all the walls [and murals] for Maradona,” Baez said during his on-court interview. “I have a t-shirt, I have a soccer ball, I have everything.
“I’m happy to continue in this tournament, and to stay in Maradona’s house for a little longer.”
The Buenos Aires native took his own tribute to the tennis court—where Baez snapped an 11-match losing streak in spectacular style at the Napoli Cup on Wednesday. After edging past Lorenzo Sonego 7-5, 7-6(3) in the first round, Baez donned Maradona’s signature 1986 World Cup winning jersey in celebration.
“He’s the best in history for me. He’s my idol, he’s everything,” Baez said. “It’s something special to be here, in this place…
“I’m just trying to enjoy this moment, because it’s so special.”