Karlovic Beats American Young to Win Delray

Ivo Karlovic defeated American Donald Young 6-3, 6-3 on Sunday to become the oldest player to win the Delray Beach Open in the tournament’s 23-year history. The 6’11 Croat is less than a week away from his 36th birthday, becoming the oldest player to an ATP World Tour singles title since Jimmy Connors at Tel Aviv in 1989.

“It’s unbelievable, just really satisfying, especially at my age,” said Karlovic. “This gives me a real boost of confidence.”

Karlovic used his powerful serve throughout the week in Delray Beach, winning all 56 service games in the five matches he had. He stuck to that pattern on Sunday, firing 13 aces and saving all seven of the break points he faced to push past Young.

Young was broken in the first sets seventh game and proceeded to squander a couple of break point chances away in the next game as Karlovic seized control at 5-3.

In the second, the American was broken in the second game and began to unravel. Young was never able to break Karlovic despite all the chances he gave himself including three in the third game of the second frame. From there, Karlovic was up 3-0 and was able to serve out the remainder of the set and the match.

“He kind of tosses in the same spot and can hit all the spots on the court,” said Young. “You look and see some tendencies. I was able to pick quite a few, but just not when it actually mattered. He played well. He beat me. I didn’t play the best I wanted to play, but all credit to him.”

Despite the loss, Young has played very well thus far in 2015. He reached the quarterfinals in Auckland, the semifinals in Memphis and reached the final in Delray Beach.

He now finds himself ranked 45th in the world, 11 spots higher than last week.

The title is Karlovic’s first since Bogota in 2013.

In the doubles final, Americans Bob & Mike Bryan captured their 104th title together, defeating South Africa’s Raven Klaasen & India’s Leander Paes 6-3, 3-6, 10-6.

“It’s nice to win a title so close to home,” said Bob Bryan. “Mike and I had great support all week from the South Florida tennis fans, and it made a difference during this run. Hats off to Lee and Rave on another good week, and we hope to play them in more finals during this season.”

The twins defended their Delray Beach Open crown for the pair’s first title of 2015.