World Tour Finals: Cilic claims consolation win

Marin Cilic, who's out of reckoning at the ATP World Tour Finals, notched his first victory in the tournament, defeating Kei Nishikori in three sets.

Marin Cilic celebrates winning a point against Kei Nishikori at the O2 Arena.

Kei Nishikori suffered a morale-sapping defeat ahead of his last-four meeting with Novak Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Finals, as Marin Cilic finally broke his duck at the O2 Arena.

Friday's last round-robin match had nothing riding on it besides ranking points and pride after Andy Murray's 6-4 6-2 triumph over Stan Wawrinka earlier in the day.

Wawrinka's defeat guaranteed Nishikori a place in the semi-finals and the Japanese initially looked set to celebrate with a routine win.

However, after taking the opening set with a degree of comfort, Nishikori's level dropped alarmingly and Cilic took full advantage to prevail 3-6 6-2 6-3 and record his first victory at this tournament at the sixth time of asking.

Cilic will move up to a career-high position of sixth in the world rankings as a result of his success.

An error-strewn second-set performance from Nishikori allowed Cilic back into the contest, but the Croatian produced some wonderful play in the decider - a backhand return winner to earn a crucial break of serve at 2-2 among the highlights.

 

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN Cilic [7] bt Nishikori [5] 3-6 6-2 6-3   ACES  Cilic - 16  Nishikori - 1 BREAK POINTS WON  Cilic - 4/5 Nishikori - 2/3  FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE  Cilic - 55  Nishikori - 64  PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE  Cilic - 81/46 Nishikori - 64/44  TOTAL POINTS  Cilic - 82 Nishikori - 69