SHANGHAI — Former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic fought off a match point before rallying to defeat local hope Wu Di of China 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4) in the opening round of the Shanghai Masters on Monday.
The 14th-seeded Cilic only allowed Wu two games in their previous encounter four years ago, but was tested by the 24-year-old Chinese player in front of hometown crowd in Shanghai.
The No. 227-ranked Wu saved 11 of the 14 break points he faced and broke the big-serving Croatian three times in the match.
Wu got to match point with Cilic serving at 4-5 in the third set, but the Croatian saved it with his 13th ace of the match and closed the game out with his 14th ace.