Anderson Beats Karlovic To Win Title

Anderson Beats Karlovic To Win Title

By: Francis Joseph

History was made Saturday in Pune, India, where we saw the tallest final in the Open Era. And not surprisingly, it was won in three tiebreakers as Kevin Anderson downed Ivo Karlovic 7-6(4), 6-7(2), 7-6(5).

“It was really close. It could have gone either way,” said Anderson. “Obviously I am very pleased to have gone one step further than last year… This atmosphere tonight was something I will definitely remember for the rest of my life.”

The match broke the previous mark for combined height in final set by Anderson and John Isner at 2013 Atlanta.

The 6-foot-8 Anderson dropped just eight points on serve. He made the final last year, but this year took home his sixth carer title.

“I really wanted to go one step further than last year,” Anderson said. “You don’t get to win tournaments every week. So when you do, it is very special and it is something that definitely means a lot to me.”

At 39, the 6-foot-11 Karlovic become the oldest tour-level finalist since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1977. He’ll move up from his No. 100 ranking.