PHOTO: Marin Cilic Beats Ancic In Croatian Final

Cilic was exceptionally convincing and proved that he is the best Croatian tennis player at the moment.

ZAGREB, CROATIA - The Croatian final match of the ATP PZB Indoors tournament in Zagreb was truly worthy of a final, because the packed Dom Sportova sports hall enjoyed beautiful tennis. Perhaps the only objection is that the match did not have 3 sets, because Marin Cilic won against Mario Ancic in two sets: 6:3 and 6:4.

It started rather intensely, in the first game – the match was on as if it was the end of it, not the very start. Ancic had unbelievable seven break points, but Cilic served 18 times in the 11-minute game! However, he defended himself and won the exceptionally important game.

The ball was then in Ancic`s court and he did not have it easier. He had two break points to defend and the game lasted nine minutes. However, he succeeded and equalised 1:1. It looked as thought it would have been easier from now on, but the pressure was present until the end.

Psychologically and physically stronger Cilic attacked Ancic, who is more versatile and a better technician. Cilic won the game without a lost point and after 15:40, he took Ancic`s serve.

Ancic concentrated well during a break in the second set and prepared himself to get back in the game. This did not help, because he lost his serve straight away and put Cilic in a better position. The audience applauded this move, but everyone was surely disappointed because it seemed that this great tournament would end too soon.

As if Ancic heard them, when the scoreboard showed 2:1 and as Cilic served, he managed to get that coveted break and he needed 11 attempts! This improved his self-confidence and his attack was more aggressive – he was more dangerous.

However, Cilic played simply and calmly, he was not surprised, he had the perfect answer for everything and just waited for his opportunity. And he caught it in the end, during Mario`s final serve, just when the time was right. The score was 5:4, Cilic`s gaze was cold and he had the ball. He did it perfectly, without a lost point and got what he came for. He dropped down on his knees and shouted victoriously, after an hour and half.

- I would like to thank everyone, it was hard, Mario resisted hard, although this was not his best. I hoped I would play in the final and achieve a great result, which I wanted over the past few years. I hope it will be even better next year and that the competition of Croatian players would be even greater – Marin was thrilled after the match. This is his third ATP tournament.

Mario Ancic was not dissatisfied, who had many problems concerning his health and injuries and after all that, got to a final and announced his comeback on the big tennis scene.

- Hat`s off to Marin, he played great. I hoped he would let me win after my fight last night, but he had no heart. Thanks to everyone who stood by me and supported me – Ancic said.

Take a look in the attached photo gallery: Marin Cilic Beats Ancic In Croatian Final.