Vilius Gaubas cruised past Matias Soto 6-2, 6-3 in the opening round of the ATP Santiago hard court event on February 24, 2026. The Lithuanian controlled proceedings from the baseline, winning 72 points to Soto’s 51 while converting half his break point opportunities to advance comfortably in just over an hour.
Gaubas established dominance early, racing through the first set behind a rock-solid first serve that landed at a 78% clip compared to Soto’s dismal 43%. The Chilean’s serving woes — punctuated by six double faults and zero in return from Gaubas — proved insurmountable. Soto managed just one break point conversion from three chances, while Gaubas broke serve four times from eight opportunities to keep his opponent perpetually under pressure.
The second set followed a similar script as Gaubas maintained his stranglehold on service games, winning 67% of first serve points and an impressive 69% on second serve. With 17 winners to Soto’s nine and a 5-to-1 ace advantage, the 20-year-old Lithuanian closed out the match without facing a genuine threat, setting up a second-round clash with authority.
Key Takeaways
- Gaubas delivered a flawless serving performance with zero double faults while Soto committed six, a differential that defined the match’s rhythm and momentum.
- The first serve percentage gap was staggering — Gaubas landed 78% compared to Soto’s 43%, giving the Lithuanian consistent platform to dictate rallies and attack.
- Gaubas won 69% of second serve points, a mark that illustrates his ability to stay aggressive even when his first delivery missed, while Soto managed just 49%.
- Despite matching Soto with 26 unforced errors, Gaubas produced nearly double the winners (17 to 9), showcasing a more aggressive and effective attacking game.
Player Analysis
Vilius Gaubas
The Lithuanian’s serving clinic proved the difference maker in Santiago. Getting 78% of first serves in play allowed him to control the tempo throughout, and his ability to win 67% of those points kept Soto perpetually on the back foot. More impressively, Gaubas maintained aggression on second serve, capturing 69% of those points — a percentage that rivals many players’ first serve success rates.
His five aces and zero double faults underscore a composed, confident performance under pressure. While his 26 unforced errors matched Soto’s tally, Gaubas backed up the mistakes with 17 winners, demonstrating a calculated risk-taking approach that paid dividends. Converting four of eight break points showed clinical efficiency when opportunities arose.
Matias Soto
The Chilean endured a nightmare day on serve, landing just 43% of first deliveries and compounding the issue with six double faults. That combination meant Soto was perpetually playing defense, unable to establish any rhythm or dictate terms. Winning only 50% of first serve points and 49% of second serve points left him vulnerable in every service game.
Soto’s nine winners against 26 unforced errors paint a picture of a player unable to find his timing on the hard courts. Converting just one of three break point chances meant he couldn’t capitalize on the rare moments when Gaubas faltered. The 72-51 total points deficit reflects how thoroughly he was outplayed across both sets.
Match Statistics
| Vilius Gaubas | Stat | Matias Soto |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Aces | 1 |
| 0 | Double Faults | 6 |
| 78% | 1st Serve % | 43% |
| 67% | 1st Serve Points Won | 50% |
| 69% | 2nd Serve Points Won | 49% |
| 4/8 | Break Points Won | 1/3 |
| 17 | Winners | 9 |
| 26 | Unforced Errors | 26 |
| 72 | Total Points Won | 51 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of Vilius Gaubas vs Matias Soto at ATP Santiago 2026?
Vilius Gaubas defeated Matias Soto 6-2, 6-3 in the Round of 32 at the ATP Santiago tournament on February 24, 2026.
How many aces did Vilius Gaubas hit against Matias Soto in Santiago?
Gaubas served 5 aces compared to just 1 from Soto, while committing zero double faults to Soto’s six.
What was Vilius Gaubas’s first serve percentage against Soto?
Gaubas landed 78% of first serves, a stark contrast to Soto’s struggling 43% first serve percentage.
How many total points did Vilius Gaubas win at ATP Santiago?
Gaubas won 72 total points compared to Soto’s 51, controlling the match from start to finish.
What’s Next
Gaubas advances to the Round of 16 at ATP Santiago, where he’ll look to maintain this serving form and continue his progress on the South American hard court swing.
