Photo: Kremlin Cup
Marcos produced a stunning fightback in the third set to defeat Denis Istomin 6-4, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) Saturday in the semi-finals of the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.
Marcos was exceptional on serve in the first two sets, winning the first 29 points behind his first serve and saving all seven break points he faced. He clinched the first set after breaking serve in the first game courtesy of a rifling backhand up the line. However, he could not break through Istomin’s defences in the second set and the Uzbekistani grew in confidence. In the decisive tie-break he was rewarded for attacking tennis and was able to level the match.
Istomin was quick to capitalise on his momentum in the final set, racing to a 3-0 double break lead. It sparked the start of the fightback from Marcos, though, who produced a gritty performance in the next game to recoup one of the breaks.
Marcos was denied on a chance to break back again in the eighth game as Istomin came up with three clutch serves at 0/40 and the Uzbekistani looked to have escaped again when he came back from 0/40 down when serving for the match. Marcos persevered, though, and played two composed points to level at 5-5 before forcing a tie-break.
In stark contrast to the second-set tie-break, Marcos was quick to stamp his authority in the deciding breaker, racing to a 5-1 lead before closing out victory in two hours and 26 minutes.
“I was feeling a bit stiff, playing defensive, only my serve was working,” reflected Marcos. “But I kept fighting and at 3-0 down in the third [set] I saw some change in him and I started playing more aggressively.”
In the final Marcos will face Serbian Viktor Troicki, who cruised through his semi-final against Pablo Cuevas in straight sets earlier in the day. While Marcos was battling through his semi-final, though, Troicki was back out on court contesting the doubles semi-finals.
Marcos has played Troicki once before, beating the 24 year old en route to winning the Sydney title in January. The Belgrade native has hit a good run of form in recent weeks, reaching the semi-finals in Tokyo, where he very nearly beat World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, and this week defeated third seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the second round.
“I expect to play better (against Troicki),” said Marcos, looking ahead to the final. “He is very tough, he was close to beating Nadal in Tokyo, he beat Tsonga this week and he is full of confidence.”
Marcos is bidding to win his second ATP World Tour title of the season, and the fifth in his career. The final is scheduled to take place on Sunday on centre court, beginning not before 2:30 pm local time (11:30am UK, 1:30pm Cyprus). Check out the full order of play here.
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Go, Marcos!
