CHENNAI, India(AP) Third-seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia reached the final of the Chennai Open with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Marcel Granollers of Spain on Saturday.
Cilic, a semifinalist here last year, will face wild-card Somdev Devvarman of India, who advanced to his first ATP Tour final after No. 5 Rainer Schuettler of Germany withdrew with a wrist injury.
The 23-year-old Devvarman won NCAA titles in 2006 and '07 while at the University of Virginia.
Tomorrow's my first chance to win a title,'' Devvarman said.It's disappointing to come through to the final in this manner, but I look forward to my first final.''
He is the first Indian player to reach the final of the tournament, which began as the Indian Open in 1996 at New Delhi, and then moved to Chennai the following year.
Indian Davis Cup player Leander Paes was a semifinalist here in 1998.
Cilic used one break in the first set and three more in the third, while only losing serve once.
It was my best match so far,'' said Cilic.I'm hitting the ball well, feeling happy with way I'm playing.''
The Chennai Open was one of three events in which Cilic reached the semifinals last year. His lone title came in New Haven, Conn., after semifinal defeats here and in Nottingham, England.
``Tomorrow's final could be like playing an away Davis Cup match with the home crowd getting behind (Devvarman),'' Cilic said.
Schuettler, a 32-year-old veteran, said he experienced strong pain in his left wrist following Friday's win over fellow German Bjorn Phau.
I had the same (injury) a few years go, but it wasn't as bad as now,'' Schuettler said.It's a very disappointing moment. I will now fly to Melbourne and see if I can be ready in time for the Australian Open.''