By Alberto Amalfi | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Photograph credit score: Zhe Ji/Getty
Marin Cilic celebrated an early birthday blast profitable his twenty first profession title in China.
In a high-quality last, Cilic cracked 18 aces edging China’s Zhang Zhizhen 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in as we speak’s Hangzhou Open last.
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There have been no service breaks within the last.
Former US Open champion Cilic, who celebrates his thirty sixth birthday on Saturday, captured his first ATP title for the reason that 2021 St. Petersburg crown. Cilic improved to 21-16 in profession finals.
“I don’t suppose I did in any facet higher,” Cilic stated. “First tiebreak was 7-5 and the second tiebreak was additionally 7-5. So shut.
“Each of us served extremely properly as we speak. Not too many rallies as we speak. It will possibly occur like this. Clearly, it’s a quick courtroom, quick tennis. Just a bit bit luckier as we speak.”
Into the historical past books 📖@cilic_marin turns into the bottom ranked ATP Tour winner in historical past beginning the #HangzhouOpen ranked No.777! pic.twitter.com/uHQZKVrJCq
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 24, 2024
It is a historic win for Cilic, who began this week ranked No. 777 changing into the lowest-ranked ATP champion in historical past.
The victory vaults Cilic all the best way as much as No. 373 within the reside rankings.
