Istanbul: In a thrilling encounter, Marin Cilic overpowered Milos Raonic to win the final at the Istanbul Open on Sunday.
Raonic had played only one match since February prior to arriving in Istanbul due to a hamstring problem but found form straight away on the clay.
However, Cilic proved stronger in the title decider, winning the opening set on a tie-break and then securing the only break of serve in the second to triumph 7-6 (3), 6-3.
Raonic had his chances , creating seven break points in the match but Cilic saved all of them, helped by nine aces.
This is Cilic’s first victory on clay in five years. His lone previous clay-court victory had come on home soil in Umag in 2012.
Cilic moves to No. 7 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, adding 250 points.
