By Tennis Now | Friday, January 4, 2019
Ivo Karlovic, 39, slashed 33 aces stopping Steve Darcis, 7-6 (3), 4-6, 6-3, powering into the Pune final to become the oldest ATP finalist since Ken Rosewall in 1977.
Photo credit: Tata Open Maharashtra Facebook
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.
The towering Croatian clocked a forehand winner down the line to cap one of his most meaningful wins.
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.