Cilic wins St. Petersburg - 20th title

Final day in St. Petersburg.

2021 St. Petersburg Open - an ATP 250 tournament, on Hard Indoor, in St. Petersburg, Russia, 25-31 October 2021.

Defending champion:

Andrey Rublev (3) who defeated Borna Coric (7) 7-6(5) 6-4

Final:

Marin Cilic (Croatia) v Taylor Fritz (5) (USA)

The only previous match between the players was a second round contest at Indian Wells in March 2017, where Fritz won in three sets.

Fritz was in his sixth final, aiming to win his second title, to add to the Eastbourne trophy collected in June 2019.

Cilic was in his 35th final, aiming to win his 20th title, his most recent success being Stuttgart in June this year.

In set one, Cilic converted the second of two break points in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead. Fritz saved a set point before breaking back in the ninth game.

A tie break was needed, and five of the first six points went against the serve, leaving Cilic in front 4-2. The next three points went to serve and Cilic had three set points. He only required one and the set was his 7-6(3).

In set two, Cilic broke Fritz in the opening game and the fifth game. In both cases, Fritz broke back immediately, and games were 3-3.

Games continued on serve after that and Cilic went to the line at 4-5. From 30-30, Fritz won the next two points to take the set  6-4 and level the match.

In the decider, Cilic double faulted on the third break point in game four, giving Fritz the edge 3-1.

In game five, Cilic with a drop shot had Fritz down 0-30. Three break points following an American error. One saved, but a Cilic forehand winner sealed the break back. 

Cilic saved two break points in the sixth game and levelled at 3-3, a forehand winner again finishing it.

At 3-4 and deuce, Cilic fell victim to a Fritz forehand winner and was down a break point. He saved it with a winner at the net. Serve was held 4–4.

From 40-15, Fritz lost three straight points and was down a break point. Double fault and Cilic would serve for the match at 5-4.

Two return errors and 30-0. Cilic missed with a forehand and 30-15. A Fritz backhand mistake and two match points.

Cilic put away a winner at the net and he won the match 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4.

Title number 20 for the veteran Marin Cilic.