Croatian tennis player Borna Ćorić is the winner of the tournament in Marrakesh after defeating in the finals German Philipp Kohlschreiber 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5, his first career ATP title
It was a great match in which Ćorić came back several times from a lost situation and after two hours and 40 minutes managed to grasp the victory, Jutarnji List reported on April 16, 2017.
After Ćorić lost the first set, he was down 0-3 in the second, but managed to equalise. Kohlschreiber had five match points at 6.5, but Borna saved all five and after the thirteenth games equalised to 1-1. In the third set the German made a quick break, but Borna came back once again and made a second break to turn the match around.
The young Zagreb native also made it to the finals of the Grand Prix Hassan II last year, but was then defeated by Argentinean Federic Delbonis. He also played in the finals of Chennai last year wand was defeated by Swiss Stan Wawrinka, but now he is the proud owner of his first career title.
In the first 11 games it was an equal match. The German player was somewhat more active and made less mistakes, but Ćorić held his service. Unfortunately, at 6-5 for Kohlschreiber, Ćorić lost his service and the first set. After 43 minutes of play the 32nd world player led 1-0 in sets.
Obviously disappointed in losing the first set, Ćorić made a dismal start in the second set. Kohlschreiber quickly led 3-0 with one break. Luckily, Borna did not grieve too long. He found his lost rhythm, returned his lost service and equalised to 3-3. The German went up 4-3 and had a break point, but Ćorić saved that game. Even more problems for Ćorić came in the 12th game. Kohlschreiber had five match points in leading 6-5, but the Croatian tennis player would not give up and after an excellent fight pushed the set into a tie-break.
In the 13th game Ćorić played great. He took the lead 4-1 with two mini breaks and had 6-2 and easily took the set for 1-1 after an hour and 50 minutes of play.
In the decisive third set, Ćorić lost his service at 1-1, but already in the next game he had a chance to take the game back. He had two break points, but did not use them and the German went up 3-1. A new chance for Ćorić came in the 8th game, leading 40-0, and using his third break point for 4-4 and a new comeback. At 6-5, Borna had three match points. He missed the first one, but not the second and was victorious.
This was their third mutual duel, with the German winning the first two played last year in Dubai and Monte Carlo.
For Kohlschreiber this was his 16th final and ninth defeat.
Adding to the good news from Marrakesh, Split native Mate Pavić was also victorious in pair with Brit Dominic Inglot. They defeated Spaniards Marcelo Granollers and Marco Lopez with 6-4, 2-6, 11-9.
