By Tennis Now | Friday, January 4, 2019

Ivo Karlovic continues acing advancing age at a remarkable rate.

The 39-year-old Karlovic cracked 33 aces defeating Steve Darcis, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3, to power into the Pune final and make history as the oldest ATP finalist in 42 years.

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Karlovic, who is playing for his first title since he won the 2016 Newport crown on grass, is bidding to become the oldest ATP champion since a 43-year-old Ken Rosewall won the 1977 Hong Kong championship.

Fifty-six days shy of his 40th birthday, @IvoKarlovic defeats @SteveDarcishark at @MaharashtraOpen to become oldest finalist on record since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall at 1977 Hong Kong. Rosewall went on to win the title.

— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) January 4, 2019

The towering Croatian clocked a forehand winner down the line to cap one of his most meaningful wins.

The moment 39-year-old @ivokarlovic became the oldest @ATP_Tour finalist since Ken Roswell in 1977.
So thrilled to see the Ace King in the final! #TataOpenMaharashtra pic.twitter.com/tAiv4B1Ca0

— ZENIA D'CUNHA (@ZENIADCUNHA) January 4, 2019

Aiming for his ninth career title, Karlovic will face Wimbledon finalist Kevin Anderson in a battle of big servers.

The top-seeded South African defeated defending champion Gilles Simon, 6-3, 7-6 (3),  avenging his straight-sets loss to Simon in the 2018 final. 

Despite dropping serve—and a set—for the first time in four matches this week, Karlovic was commanding in the decisive set.

Karlovic won 90 percent (52 of 58) first-serve points wrapping up a one hour, 55-minute victory.