HANGZHOU, China, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese player Zhang Zhizhen lost to former US Open champion Marin Cilic 7-6(5), 7-6(5) in the final of the ATP 250 Hangzhou Tennis Open on Tuesday, falling just short of claiming his first ATP tour title.
The 27-year-old Zhang has been in excellent form in recent seasons, winning the men's singles gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games and a mixed doubles silver at the Paris Olympics.
Facing veteran Cilic in the final, Zhang admitted beforehand that he would focus on giving his best effort. True to his word, Zhang fought hard throughout both sets, pushing both to tiebreaks.
In the first set, both players held their serve, but Cilic managed a crucial mini-break late in the tiebreak to take the set 7-6(5). The second set followed a similar pattern, with neither player breaking serve. In the tiebreak, Zhang found himself trailing 3-0 but managed to level the score at 3-all before ultimately losing 7-6(5).
Zhang thanked the fans who supported him at the venue and expressed his respect for Cilic, who claimed the title after the match. "We've known each other for a long time and have trained together several times in Croatia. When we met this time, he immediately asked about my injury, which I greatly appreciate," Zhang said.
"I am aware that Zhang has been dealing with knee injuries. I have also struggled with knee issues in the past, which kept me away from the court for a long time. I hope he continues to perform well during the upcoming Chinese season," Cilic commented. ■