Tel Aviv Watergen Open: Marin Cilic celebrates his birthday with victory against Dominic Thiem

Marin Cilic went into the match with a 0-4 against Dominic Thiem. The 34-year-old Croatian roared back from a set down to cruise past his Austrian opponent to reach the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 event.

Marin Cilic served 15 aces, won 81% of the points on the first serve and broke the serve of Dominic Thiem four times from 13 opportunities. In contrast, Dominic Thiem served 11 aces, won 67% points on the first serve and committed three double faults.

After the victory, Marin Cilic said, "I think it was a fantastic match. I think it was an amazing, amazing level. We don't get so many chances to play a second-round in front of this big of a crowd, so thank you so much. It was a fantastic birthday!"

Marin Cilic will next lock horns with the winner of the second-round clash between British qualifier Liam Broady and Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in a quarterfinal match on September 30. 

In another Tel Aviv Open match of the day, American Maxime Cressy put forth an excellent display to secure a comfortable 6-4, 6-4 victory over compatriot Sebastian Korda on the indoor hard courts in Tel Aviv.

No. four seed Maxime Cressy served 14 aces, won 90% points on the first serve, 89% on the second serve and broke the serve of his fellow American two times from seven opportunities. In contrast, Sebastian Korda served two aces, won 67% points on the first serve and failed to break the serve of Cressy even once. 

Maxime Cressy is having an excellent season, having won his maiden ATP title on the grass courts in Newport Open earlier this year. The 25-year-old American will next face the winner of the clash between Emil Ruusuvuori and Constant Lestienne for a spot in the quarterfinals.

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