By Chris Oddo | Sunday October 30, 2016
Marin Cilic stormed to the Basel title, defeating Kei Nishikori in two tight sets to strengthen his London bid.
Photo Source: Harold Cunningham/Getty
Marin Cilic proved why he is one of the best indoor players in tennis today by storming to the Basel title with the loss of just one service game. The Croatian saved all three break points he faced to defeat Kei Nishikori in the final, 6-1, 7-6(5), for his second title of 2016 and 16th of his career.
Cilic won 52 of 53 service games in Basel, and improves to 5-7 against Nishikori.
More important, Cilic was able to put some distance between himself and the rest of the field in the Race to London standings.
The Croatian now leads Tomas Berdych by 210 points as the ATP Tour prepares to make its final stop at the Paris Masters. The event begins Monday and Cilic will see competition from Berdych, David Goffin (400 points behind), Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (520 points) and Roberto Bautista Agut (550 points).