Marin Cilic claims luck played a part in his victory over Zhang Zhizhen in the Hangzhou Open final.
On Tuesday the Croatian made history by becoming the lowest ranked player in ATP Tour history to win a title.
Cilic began the tournament ranked at 777 following a torrid run of injuries since the start of the 2023 season.
The 35-year-old rolled back the years and registered a 7-6(5), 7-6(5) victory to defeat Zhang in his home country and claim his first championship since 2021.
Does Marin Cilic think he got lucky in the Hangzhou Open final?
It did not appear as though Cilic needed luck to defeat Zhang in the Hangzhou Open final, as the veteran increased his level at crucial moments.
Both players were solid on serve and saved the break points they faced. Therefore, the match was ultimately decided via two tiebreaks.
Cilic upped his aggression and he was rewarded for his efforts by claiming both tiebreaks by seven points to five.
The 2014 US Open winner was overjoyed after Zhang hit a ball into the net on championship point. Speaking afterwards, Cilic felt he was fortunate at times to win such a close encounter.
“Obviously today I was a touch luckier than Zhang Zhizhen, but it was an incredible tournament for both of us and big congratulations for him and bad luck for today,” Cilic shared.
“I don’t think I did any aspect better. The first tie break was 7-5, the second tie break was also 7-5. It was so close. Both of us served incredibly well today.
“Not too many rallies, it can happen like this. Obviously it’s a fast court, fast tennis, and I was just a little bit luckier today.”
Where will Marin Cilic play next?
There is no rest for Cilic as he is due to commence his campaign at the Japan Open on Thursday.
He is set to face home favourite Kei Nishikori, who has won his home tournament on two previous occasions back in 2012 and 2014.
This will be the pair’s 16th meeting and a first since 2018, which took place at the US Open and Nishikori triumphed in five sets, four sets after Cilic won their US Open final.
Nishikori is looking to defeat Cilic for the tenth time while Cilic is aiming for his seventh and a first over his old rival since 2016.
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