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1/3/11 7:43 PM | Ricky Dimon
Two-time defending champion Marin Cilic is out after just one match in Chennai. Cilic goes down to Kei Nishikori in three sets on Monday.
Marin Cilic will not win a third consecutive title at the Aircel Chennai Open. In fact, he did not even make it out of the first round.
Cilic, who won this tournament in 2009 and 2010, lost his 2011 opener 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2 to Kei Nishikori on Monday evening. Nishikori prevailed after two hours and 33 minutes and awaits either Alejando Falla or Rui Machado in round two.
The most recent encounter between these two lasted four hours and 59 minutes, with Nishikori advancing to the third round of the U.S. Open. Cilic looked like he was poised for revenge when he broke serve in the third game of the match and consolidated it the entire way.
Chennai's No. 2 seed had a chance to finish off the proceedings in straight sets, but he missed all eight of his break-point opportunities throughout the second frame of play. Cilic saved both of the break points he faced, so a tiebreaker had to decide things. That's when the tide turned, as Nishikori dominated the 'breaker seven points to love.
From there it was all over for Cilic, who managed just two games in the third set. Nishikori completely wore down his opponent and did not lose a single point in his final four service games. The 21-year-old Japanese star finished with 77 percent of his first-serve points won and he fought off 10 of 11 break points.
In other Chennai action, sixth-seeded Janko Tipsarevic--a 2010 semifinalist--took care of Eduardo Schwank 6-3, 6-4.
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