Čilić sets up Tel Aviv final against Djokovic
Marin Čilić won against Constant Lestienne 7-5, 6-3 on Saturday evening. He’ll face Serb Novak Djokovic, the top seed, for the title
Marin Cilic at the 2022 US Open (AI/Reuters/Panoramic)
Croat Marin Čilić, the second seed, won against Frenchman Constant Lestienne 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the final of the Tel Aviv Open at Expo Tel Aviv on Saturday – his first final of the season.
Čilić, ranked No 16, will play Serb Novak Djokovic, the top seed, next.
The 34-year-old Croat edged out Austrian wildcard Dominic Thiem (6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4) and benefited from the forfeit of qualifier Liam Broady earlier in the tournament.
In the previous rounds of the Tel Aviv, Lestienne, ranked No 68, beat No 7 seed Adrian Mannarino (7-6 (2), 6-4), Finn Emil Ruusuvuori (6-4, 6-2) and American Maxime Cressy, the No 4 seed (6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (3)). He was seeking the first top 20 win of his career.
Tel Aviv ATP 250, other semi-final result:
* Novak Djokovic beat Roman Safiullin: 6-1, 7-6 (3)
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