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Ros Satar

Cilic claims first Masters title in Cincinnati

Ros Satar
Tennis

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By Ros Satar, in Cincinnati

  • Marin Cilic [12] def. Andy Murray [1] 6-4 7-5
  • Murray’s 22 match winning streak ends
CINCINNATI, USA – Marin Cilic claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title after defeating two-time champion Andy Murray in straight sets 6-4 7-5.

 

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It has been a long winning streak for the Brit, who came here as the top seed following the successful defence of his Olympic title, but the turn around had been brutal, the physical adjustment painful, and at the end Murray could not get over the line.

With all the buzz surrounding the Brit, Cilic had done what he invariably does and largely flown under the radar. Even his third round match was largely dominated by the prospect of his facing his former coach’s new charge Tomas Berdych (whom he beat, by the way) as Goran Ivanisevic moved on in coaching duties.

That being said, Jonas Bjorkman who had been in Murray’s corner has joined Cilic’s team and although it is early days and Cilic is more than aware of what Murray brings to the table, the Swede was able to offer some advice.

Cilic said: “Obviously gave me few tips to look at. Also, I’m very familiar and Andy’s game. We played already more than I guess ten times, so I knew what I need to expect.

“Anyway, in these kind of matches you also have to be focused on yourself. You can always add a couple things here and there, but it’s also up to your game to deliver, like on a final like today.”

With this win he becomes the youngest active person to win a Masters title, and this now puts him very firmly in the ‘one-to-watch’ category.

For Murray though there was a lot to be very proud of, coming off the back of a second Wimbledon win and an Olympic title defence.

He told reporters: “I’m very proud of this week. Obviously today didn’t go how I would’ve wanted. I certainly didn’t expect to get to the final when I arrived here had some pretty good wins along the way.

“Today was tough, tricky conditions with the wind first match during the day. I think if I got off to a better start maybe could have done a bit better. I had a break point in his first service game and Love-30 in his next service game. Maybe if I had gotten the lead there maybe would’ve felt better. Was pretty much behind from that point on and made it tough. But very, very positive week. Yeah, looking forward to a few days’ rest now.”

With the Olympic bubble now coming to an end, all eyes will definitely turn to the US Open, where Murray has to go in as a favourite.

He added: “I’m pumped for the US Open now. First I get to see my family tomorrow which I’m looking forward to. I haven’t seen them for three weeks, which has been hard. That’s the longest I’ve not seen them for since baby was born. So I’m looking forward to seeing them tomorrow.

“Get a couple days off, so I’ll spend time with them which will be nice. Then, yeah, really looking forward to New York. Feeling very positive just now about my game and my body. Mentally I feel in a good place just now. So I’m looking forward to New York for sure.”

The US Open begins on 29 August.