Marin Cilic continued his fairytale run at the Hangzhou Open on Monday by sealing a place in his first ATP Tour final in almost two years.
The former US Open champion ousted America’s Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6(8), in a tightly contested encounter. Cilic, who received a wildcard into the draw, broke his rival once en route to claiming the first set before facing a tougher battle in the second. In the tiebreak, the Croatian was trailing 4-6 to Nakashima before winning four points in a row to claim victory.
“You need to be focused. Obviously, every point in the match is long,” Cilic replied when asked how he managed to hold his nerve in the tiebreak.
“You need to also find a way to find your game, but also to battle against your opponent.
“Great spirit, great fight and great tennis, I have to say.” He later added.
Cilic is playing in his first ATP Tour event since February after undergoing knee surgery. Although he has played two tournaments on the lower level Challenger Tour before traveling to China. He started his Hangzhou campaign ranked 777th in the world but is set to rise back into the top 400 as a result of his run. He is the second lowest-ranked ATP finalist in the Open Era after Raemon Sluiter who was ranked 866th during his run to the final of the 2009 ‘s-Hertogenbosch Open.
The 35-year-old will next play either sixth seed Zhang Zhizhen or Bu Yunchaokete, who are playing in the first all-chinese ATP Tour semi-final in history.
“It’s amazing to be in the final after such a long break. For me. It’s so, so exciting.” Said Cilic.
“I’m so proud because of my team. They were with me all this time and I couldn’t be happier. Especially in the first week (of his ATP Tur return) to be in the final and to play against the home player.
“I hope there is going to be a huge crowd. I love to play, always in a great atmosphere. Even though they’re going to support a Chinese player, I always enjoy it and may the best player win.”
Cilic is through to his 37th ATP Final and will be bidding to claim his 21st title.
