Cilic ends Murray's 22-match win streak, earns 1st Masters 1000 title
Andy Murray's streak eventually had to end. Marin Cilic decided Sunday was the day.
Cilic beat Murray 6-4, 7-5 in the final of the Cincinnati Masters, giving the Croat his biggest win on tour since he won the US Open in 2014. It's Cilic's first Masters 1000 title - the 71st time was the charm.
Murray had won 22 straight matches coming into play Sunday, and had trophies from the Queen's Club, Wimbledon, and a gold medal from Rio to show for the streak. Not bad.
It was only Cilic's third win in 14 matches against Murray.
"It's been a great run the last few months, but unfortunately couldn't get it done (Sunday)," Murray said, according to tennismash.com. "We'll keep working to get better."
Cilic's win means one of the "Big Four" - Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Murray, and Rafael Nadal - didn't win a Masters 1000 tournament for the first time in 19 events.
"This week was unbelievable for me," Cilic said.
He'll be looking to continue in fine form once play begins at the US Open on Aug. 29.