Karatsev Collects Moscow Title Topping Cilic

Aslan Karatsev won his home country event in Moscow topping 2-time champion Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-4.

“It is a dream come true,” Karatsev told the crowd. “It is a tournament where I have played in qualifying at and now I am winning the tournament. Thank you for all of your support. It was a very nervous final game, I hit a double fault and then on break point there was that long rally, but I managed to win it in the end.”

Karatsev dominated the match behind his serve. Cilic’s only break chance came in the final game of the match.

The Russian who wasn’t even heard of at this time last year, now has titles in Dubai and Moscow plus an Australian Open semifinal and a shot at qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin.

Karatsev will also climb to a new career-high ranking No. 18 tomorrow.

Cilic was seeking a 20th career title and second of the season.