Paris May 31 (IANS) Croatia s Marin Cilic on Thursday defeated German qualifier Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 6-2 6-2 6-7 (3-7) 7-5 to book a place in the third round of the French Open the second Grand Slam event held on clay court.
Cilic the third seed needed two hours and 50 minutes to dispatch Hurkacz ending the Polish tennis pro s best run at a Grand Slam event reports Efe.
When the 29-year-old Cilic seemed on his way to a straight set win he conceded his service for the only time during the match and 21-year-old Hurkacz proceeded to win the set through a tie break.
Cilic however did not give his rival any option for a rally as he saved the only break point he faced in the fourth set and one break out of eight opportunities to seal the win.
Next up for Cilic is Steve Johnson of the United States who rallied from a set down to defeat Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 6-2.

--IANS tri/bg