Former US Open champion Marin Cilic has scored a rare win at The ATP Finals after fighting back to defeat John Isner 6-7(2), 6-3, 6-4, at The O2 Arena.
Cilic, who is making his fourth appearance in the tournament, withstood 17 aces that were fired by his opponent during what was a roller coaster match. Featuring a total of 30 winners to 23 unforced errors from the Croat.
“It was very difficult. The first set was extremely tough.” Said Cilic.
“I had to stay patient, stayed focused and I felt I played really great tennis from the second set, and the third set as well.”
“I’m really pleased with the win.” He added.
Heading into the match it was inevitable that the service would be a prominent feature. Isner is ranked first of Infosys Serve Leaders Leaderboard based on the past 52 weeks. A calculation that is worked out based on the four service metrics percentages plus the average number of aces per match before the average number of double faults per match is subtracted. Meanwhile, Cilic is 10th.
It was the fine margins that were the telling factor at the start of the match. During the opener, both players had their opportunities to break. Cilic was first to work his way to a break point, but failed to find a formula consistent enough to break down Isner’s serve. Later on in the match, it was Isner’s turn as he saw three set point chances come and go whilst leading 5-4.
Ultimately the tiebreaker separated the two. Cilic, who had only ever won one match in the history of the tournament, swiftly feel behind after slamming a backhand into the net to trail 0-2. Allowing Isner to storm to a 5-2 lead with relative ease. Continuing his momentum, the 32-year-old closed the tiebreaker out with the help of a 134 mph serve followed by a forehand down the line.
Cilic, who boasted a 7-3 head-to-head record against his opponent heading into the match, managed to find a way to come back into the match. A failing to convert four break points throughout the second set, it was fifth time lucky for the Croat. An Isner double fault elevated him to a 5-3 lead before forcing the match into a decider with the help of back-to-back aces.
With all to play for in the decider, ironically the serve became a liability for both player as they traded breaks before Cilic worked his way to a 3-1 advantage. Continuing to weather the storm, the world No.7 overcame his recent demons to seal the victory. Doing so with a love service game.
“I just felt like I got momentum towards the end of the season set and I started to feel the ball really well,” Cilic explained about how he managed to close out the match.
Besides the triumph for Croatian tennis fans, top seed Novak Djokovic is also relishing in the effects of the win. Isner was required to take at least one set against Cilic to send the Serbian into the semis. Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev in straight sets earlier in the day. It will be his eighth appearance in the last four of the tournament.
Cilic will play Djokovic next in the round-robin tournament on Friday.
