Marin Cilic racks up 25 aces in four-set win over American Mackenzie McDonald as he progresses to Australian Open third round
- Marin Cilic beat Mackenzie McDonald 7-5, 6-7 (9), 6-4, 6-4 to reach third round
- The Croatian sixth seed sent down 25 aces against the world No 81 in Melbourne
- Last year’s runner-up will face either Fernando Verdasco or Radu Albot next
Marin Cilic powered 25 aces – including a pair to serve out the match – as he recorded a four-set victory over American Mackenzie McDonald in the Australian Open second round.
The Croatian, who was runner up in Melbourne to Roger Federer last year, proved too strong for the world No 81 McDonald, winning 7-5, 6-7 (9), 6-4, 6-4.
Cilic, seeded No 6 in this year’s draw, hasn’t been defeated by anyone ranked as low as McDonald since 2007.
He set up a third-round meeting with Fernando Verdasco or Radu Albot.
Marin Cilic celebrates his four-set win over Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open
Cilic fired down 25 aces during the second-round win as he made no mistake in Melbourne
‘Every single time the atmosphere here is amazing,’ said Cilic, who has been struggling with a knee injury.
‘Mackenzie played unbelievable tennis today, he was hitting from the back ridiculously well. I had to work hard to win this one and I’m extremely pleased.
‘It’s getting better but I feel that if could improve, so I’m hoping with a couple of matches and getting used to the conditions it’s going to get better.
‘I’m hitting the ball well and enjoying my time on the court and these two matches have been great for me.’
Cilic poses for a selfie with a delighted young fan as he makes his way off the court
The Croatian supporters were out in force to cheer their hero Cilic to second round victory