Cilic First Croatian To Reach Umag Final

Written by: Global Chick on 31st July 2011

Cilic First Croatian To Reach Umag Final

Croatian tennis professional Marin Cilic serves to German tennis professional Tobias Kamke during the ATP tournament at Rothenbaum in Hamburg, Germany, 21 July 2011. EPA/ANGELIKA WARMUTH |

World No. 31 Marin Cilic reached the final of ATP Studena Croatia Open when he overcame Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2 6-2 in the semi-final yesterday.

Marin Cilic is the first Croatian to reach the Umag final since 1990. Cilic is in his second ATP World Tour Final this season. He was the runner up in Marseille when he lost to Swede Robin Soderling in the final earlier this year.

“All in all I’m really pleased with the match and that it didn’t go too long. It would be a big thing for me if I could win the title because I haven’t won a title in over a year,” Cilic said.

Juan Carlos Ferrero’s bid to reach the final in Umag was halted by Ukrainian world number 27 Alexandr Dolgopolov. The second seed won in two straight sets 6-4 6-4 in 85 minutes.

“I played pretty well and did the right things. I managed to break up his rhythm and not play long points, so I am happy with the way I played. I think it’s going to be a tough match against Cilic. He serves well and plays steady on the court,” Dolgopolov said.

Dolgopolov is looking for his first title win this season. His breakthrough came at the Australian Open in January when he reached the quarter-finals and lost to Andy Murray.

Croatian team Marin Cilic and Lovro Zovko lost in the doubles final to the Italian team of Simone Bolelli and Fabio Fognini 6-3 7-5 10-7. Bolelli and Fognini will share €22 000 and receive 250 ATP Tour Ranking Points.