ATP: Cilic snatches away Djokovic titles

Marin Cilic has won the ATP tournament in London’s Queen’s Club in spectacular fashion. After defending a match point against Novak Djokovic in the final, the Croatian won 5:7 7:6(4) 6:3 after two hours and 59 minutes.

“I just tried to stay mentally in the match. This has been a great week for me. I have built a really good form on grass in this short time and I hope to take it to Wimbledon,” said Cilic, who triumphed on Queen’s grass for the second time after 2012.

After his victory, however, Cilic did not spare praise for his opponent in the final. “It’s great to see him play so well again,” he said. “Last year I had a match point and I couldn’t use it, this time it was Nole.”

In the 16th duel with Djokovic, it was only the second victory for Cilic, who secured his 18th ATP title. “I have to congratulate Marin for a great week and an amazing comeback,” said fair loser Djokovic about last year’s Wimbledon finalist.

“I need to see the bright side: I haven’t played a final in a year, this felt great. My big luck is that my good tennis gets back in time before Wimbledon.”

The Serb last triumphed about a year ago when he celebrated his 68th and so far last title – also on grass – in Eastbourne.

In the first set, Djokovic had to fend off a break point in the third service game before facing five in the seventh game. But the twelve-time Grand Slam winner also managed this service before he used his third set point at 6:5 from his point of view.

In the second set, both players got their serve, but Djokovic seemed a little stronger. Cilic had to face a match point at 5:4, but was able to fend him off with an ace. In the tiebreak a short time later, the Croatian was back quickly with 1:4, but won the next six points in a spectacular way and forced a decisive set.

In the eighth game, Djokovic made the 5:3 first serve twice. Cilic, who served outstandingly on that day, secured victory shortly afterwards.