LONDON: Top seed Marin Cilic has won his first Queen’s title in six years after battling his way past Novak Djokovic 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-3, in a three-hour marathon at The Fever-Tree Championships.
On the verge of defeat in the second set, the Croatian No.1 fended off some breathtaking tennis from his opponent. Who illustrated that he is closing in on returning back to his best on the tour. At first it was former world No.1 Djokovic, who was in the driving seat as he fended off six break points in the opening set. Only to have his heart broken as Cilic battled back emphatically to claim the title. Hitting 61 winners to 39 unforced errors and producing a total of 18 aces.
“It was a special win for me because last year I had a match point and didn’t convert it. It was a tough match – no breaks for me until the final set.” Cilic told BBC Sport afterwards.
“Overall I had a great time here this week. I have waited six years to get my hands on this trophy! It is an amazing crowd and I will come back every single year.”
During what was one of the hottest days of the tournament, Djokovic fought his way through a pulsating 68-minute opening set. Both players illustrated tennis to justify why they are considered as two of the best players in the world. Cilic kept battling with the help of his electrifying serve and Djokovic moved effortlessly around the court to draw level. Drawing praise from the crowd.
Djokovic’s first test occurred in the seventh game where he saved five break points before moving ahead 4-3. Closing the game out with an ace followed by a huge roar. Five games later it was the turn of the Serbian to have break points in his favour. As Cilic serve to stay in contention at 5-6, Djokovic was convinced that he sealed the set with a forehand down the line. Only to discover that it was out following a challenge made to Hawk-eye by Cilic. Nevertheless, he triumphed two points later with the help of back-to-back errors from his opponent at the worst possible moment. A double fault followed by a backhand into the net.
Former US Open champion Cilic refused to back down. Coming through a 10-minute service game at the start of set number two. Much to the frustration of Djokovic. The chance for Djokovic to clinch the title occurred at 5-4 after a Cilic backhand into the net rewarded Djokovic a championship point. However, he was denied by the Croat, who produced a trio of blistering serves to draw level.
The comeback
As Djokovic moved once again, to the verge of victory, it was Cilic’s turn to change the momentum around. Trailing 1-4 in the tiebreaker, he managed to draw back to level 4-4 with the help of a Djokovic double fault. Rising in belief, Cilic went on to break once again before winning the second set with a winner. Reviving his title hopes.
The dramatic turn in fortunes was one that stunned the crowd in London. Throughout the decider, both men battled their hardest, but it was eventually Djokovic who succumbed. A sensational Cilic passing shot elevated him to a chance to break for 4-3. Something he achieved with the help of a Djokovic backhand crashing into the next. The sole break was fatal to Djokovic’s dreams as the fast-serving Cilic closed the match out with a love game.
“I have to congratulate Marin on a fantastic week. He deserved to win and came up with some big shots. It’s a tough loss for me. But I have to see the positive because I haven’t’ played a final in almost a year.” Said Djokovic. “This came at the right time because Wimbledon is the most renowned and prestigious tournament in tennis. As for Queen’s I haven’t been here in eight years but now I know how it feels I will keep coming back here!”
The Croat has now won his 18th ATP title and his first since last year’s Istanbul Open. He exits the tournament with just over 400,000 euros as well as 500 ranking points.
