By Chris Soderstrom
Croatian sixth-seed Marin Cilic clinched his first career title on the weekend in New Haven defeating America’s Mardy Fish 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
The 19-year-old, who resides in Zagreb, showed poise beyond his years improving from a second set lapse to claim the match in one hour and 55 minutes.
“I am feeling very excited,” said the Croat. “The match was a little bit thrilling. It was a lot of ups and downs from both of us. But eventually in the third set I got my thoughts back and my rhythm.
“I was really pumped up when I had to be. [I] really enjoyed the moment in the end.”
Cilic will head into his first US Open campaign brimming with confidence.