Dolgopolov bests Cilic for first title

"Landep News"

Dolgopolov bests Cilic for first title

Alexandr Dolgopolov looks pretty good ahead of the second hard court Grand Slam of the season US Open as the Ukrainian has won his first title after upsetting Marin Cilic 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 at the Croatian final in Umag.
The fourth seed Ukraine hit six aces past the crowd favorite against whom, he also won 70 percent of service points and 42 on return, adding at the same time three precious breaks which helped him provide both a better start and finish. Dolgopolov built though 12 break point opportunities but only converted 25 percent of them, saving two other from the opposite side. Fourth seed Cilic broke the titleless Ukraine twice in the second and third terms and was unable to create one chance in the opener.
The Croatian finished the game with two aces, a couple of double faults, including a 45 first serve percentage and a 26 one of returning points. He had a pretty solid service, winning 61 percent of service points, insufficient though to stay in touch with the victory.
Said Dolgopolov: “I was first in the rankings in Ukraine, but I hadn’t won a title and everyone was talking about that a bit. So I’m really happy that I eventually did win it, because I was playing pretty well for a year, but still I couldn’t manage to win a title. It’s a good moment.”
The Ukraine had impressed in Umag with big wins against former world number one Carlos Juan Ferrero whom he ousted 6-4, 6-4 in the semi finals, claiming at the same time two straight set victories over Albert Ramos of Spain whom he upset 6-3, 7-5, and Filippo Volandri whom he ousted 6-1, 6-2.
En route to the final, Cilic had ousted Fabio Fognini 6-2, 6-2 in the semi finals, Andreas Seppi 6-1, 6-3 in the quarter finals and Robin Haase 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the second round. Cilic has last won a title in Zagreb and Chennai last year. For the Umag performance, he received 38,200 euro and 150 points ATP, while Dolgopolov was given a 72,600 euro check including 250 points ATP.
Umag Prize Money and points:
Winner – 72,600 euro and 250 points ATP
Runner-up – 38,200 euro and 150 points ATP
Semi finalist – 20,700 euro and 90 points ATP
Quarter finalist – 11,800 euro and 45 points ATP
R16 – 6,940 euro and 20 points ATP
R32 – 4,120 euro and zero points

Thank's for link:

Tweet