By Chris Oddo | Sunday May 7, 2017
Marin Cilic claimed his 17th career title, his second on clay and first on the surface since 2012
Marin Cilic saved all seven break points he faced to knock off top-seeded Milos Raonic in the Istanbul Open final, 7-6(3), 6-3.
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The Croatian won his 17th career title and second on clay. It was his first title on clay since 2012.
Cilic took a one-sided tiebreaker after the pair battled through a close first set without a drop of serve. Raonic had to see the trainer before the final game of the set due to a right elbow issue that he told trainers was bothering him on serve.
Raonic saw his run of 44 consecutive holds broken in the fourth game of the second set, and Cilic saved four break points in the next game to hold for 4-1.
He would hold serve the rest of the way, closing the match at the two-hour mark with his ninth ace.
Cilic improves to 2-1 lifetime against Raonic. It was the pair’s first meeting in over four years.