Alexandr Dolgopolov from Ukraine has won his first career title after defeating Marin Čilić 6:4, 3:6, 6:3 in the finals of Vegeta Croatia Open. This way Goran Prpić, who won the title in 1990, remains the only Croatian player to win Umag. Dolgopolov is the second Ukrainian to win this tournament, after Dimitri Poljakov won the title in 1991 as a qualifier. This was the "youngest" final of all ATP tournaments in 2011 since both of them are only 22 years old.
"Congratulations to Dolgopolov for his victory and first title. I didn't start well, I couldn't adapt to his fast rhythm, in those moments he looked unbeatable. I imposed my rhythm in the second set, but I'm sorry for the bad opening of the third set when I was overly aggressive. All in all I am happy with this week, because I think I showed that I'm on the right path to return to the top", said Čilić.
Dolgopolov had a "break" in the very first game and kept that lead without problems, even though his first serve was only at 37%. In the second set Čilić returned the serves much better, and his reward came when he made a "break" for 5:3. In the final set Dolgopolov started off great, he had two "break" points for 4:0 but Čilić managed to save his serve and equalize the score at 3:3. However, another lost serve was fatal for Čilić's ambitions...
"This was a very tough match. I was a little nervous during the third set, but I'm happy that I've won in the end. This is a big victory and I am very happy to have achieved it", said Dolgopolov.
This is Marin's tenth career final, and his ratio is now 5-5. He won his last tournament in Zagreb in February of last year. Dolgopolov has played only in one final up til now, in Costa do Sauipe in the beginning of the season. He was beaten in the final match the Spaniard Almagro.
