ATP Pune, India

39-year-old Karlovic makes history by reaching Pune final

Published Jan 04, 2019

WATCH—Hot Shot: Gilles Simon vs. Benoit Paire Pune quarterfinal

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Ivo Karlovic has produced what he calls an ''unbelievable'' run to the Pune final at 39 years old, becoming the oldest men's finalist since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall in 1977.

"I am really old, but I am here," Karlovic was quoted as saying. "It's unbelievable."

The No. 100 added that "didn't expect" to reach the final, saying "I was hoping I would be able to win a round or maybe a match or two, but now I’m here."

The Croat won his semifinal against Steve Darcis, who set a record himself as the first unranked player to reach an ATP semifinal, and also defeated teenage phenom Felix Auger-Aliassime during the week.

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39-year-old Karlovic makes history by reaching Pune final

He plays Kevin Anderson in the final.

Currently sharing the record for the oldest ATP tournament winner with Roger Federer, Karlovic could break it again by lifting the trophy in Pune.

Karlovic, who turns 40 in two months, is also the oldest player in the ATP top 100 -- a position he wants to keep for a while.

"It helped that I didn’t reach the Top 100 at a really young age. I was 24, so I don’t feel like I’ve been doing this a long, long time. I have been, but it’s a different feeling," he told the ATP website.

Karlovic has reached a career-high of No. 14 in the rankings.

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39-year-old Karlovic makes history by reaching Pune final

**Hopman Cup (Sat - Sat 12.29 - 1.5)

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