Melzer upsets Cilic to win Vienna Open

Sun Nov 1, 2009 11:49am EST
 
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VIENNA (Reuters) - Jurgen Melzer upset top seed Marin Cilic 6-4 6-3 in the final of the Vienna Open on Sunday to become the first home player to win the tournament for 21 years.

The Austrian, seeded seventh, enjoyed a comfortable win to claim the second ATP title of his career.

Cilic, ranked 13th, was a wildcard entry after U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro withdrew through injury.

The last Austrian to win the tournament was Horst Skoff in 1988.

Melzer saved three break points in the second game, then broke Cilic's serve to go 4-3 ahead before saving two more break points in the 10th game to win the first set.

The Austrian, who served only one ace compared to 10 from his opponent, broke again in the fifth game of the second set.

In a dramatic final game Cilic saved two match points before he sent a forehand into the net to hand Melzer his first title since Bucharest three years ago.

"It's so difficult to describe today's victory," said Melzer. "It will take a couple of weeks for it to sink in.

"I'm happy to follow in Horst Skoff's footsteps."

(Writing by Brian Homewood in Berne; Editing by Pritha Sarkar)

 
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