Former champion Marin Cilic narrowly avoided a shock defeat after fighting back from two sets down to defeat Australia’s Alex de Minaur 4-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, in a late-night thriller at the US Open.
The roller coaster clash between the two players had fans on the edge of their seats throughout the dramatic four-hour meeting. At first it appeared as if 19-year-old de Minaur was on the verge of reaching the fourth round of a grand slam for the first time. Only for the more experience Cilic to battle back as he discovered a frush burst of energy. Then in the decider, de Minaur continued to win over hearts. Trailing 2-5, he saved six match points on route to drawing level at 5-5. Only for Cilic to fight back again by breaking once more to close out the match.
“Incredibly happy. It was an insane atmosphere,” Cilic said following the match.
“(De Minaur showed) incredible spirit. He was fighting his heart out and it was just an insane match and what a comeback he made from 5-2 (in the fifth set).
“He played some amazing tennis and he really was a couple of points away from the victory and I was just a little bit lucky today.”
De Minaur first burst onto the tour earlier this year in his home country by reaching the final of the Sydney International. Since then he was also runner-up to Alexander Zverev at the Citi Open in Washington and reached the third round at Wimbledon. Within the past 12 months, the next generation star has risen more than 100 places in the ATP rankings.
“I’m not going to lie, I’m completely devastated,” de Minaur told AAP following his defeat.
“But at the same time, it is the beauty of this sport.
“I was two sets to love up against a quality opponent today and didn’t manage to finish it off, but I left it all out there.
“I have to be proud of my efforts. I gave it every single inch of energy I had left and it is a great learning experience for me.”
The pulsating clash started just before 1030pm Saturday evening in New York and concluded at 2.22am Sunday morning. Making it the fourth latest match to finish in US Open history. Four minutes shy of the all-time record.
Cilic will play Belgium’s David Goffin in the fourth round on Monday.
