The Croatian teenager boasted strong resolve right out of the gate by breaking the Spaniard three times to rush to a 5-0 lead. While the world No. 3 managed to win two games against Borna in the first set, it was too late to change the tide as the 17-year-old wildcard hit a winner down the T to grab the first set in 34 minutes. While the second set proved to be more of a challenge stretching out into a tie-breaker, Borna won with six aces over his opponent’s one in the second ATP quarterfinal of his career. The final score was 6-2, 7-6 (4).
While Borna’s run stopped at his meeting with David Goffin in the semifinal, he still put up a courageous fight, taking the match into three sets, matching his opponent at 10 aces, and winning 82% of his first serve points.
With this win, Borna is set to be the first 17 year old in the top 100 since 2004. At the moment, he’s the highest ranked player under 18, and also the second highest ranked player under 21. Be sure to keep your eyes on this rising star as he continues to make a name for himself!
Swiss Indoors Basel Tournament Results
Men’s Singles (Quarterfinal)
[W]Borna Coric (VCORE Tour 97, POLYTOUR SPIN)(CRO) def. [2] Rafael Nadal (ESP) 6-2, 7-6 (4)
Men’s Singles (Semifinal)
[7]David Goffin (BEL) def. [W]Borna Coric (VCORE Tour 97, POLYTOUR SPIN)(CRO) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
*Photo of Borna taken at the 2014 US Open