Ivo Karlovic becomes oldest ATP match winner since Jimmy Connors in 1995

Despite being one of the oldest remaining players on the ATP Tour, the 41-year-old Ivo Karlovic is still capable of scoring victories on the main level.

World no. 148 defeated the 7th seed Pablo Andujar 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in the Delray Beach Open first round and became the oldest winner of the ATP match since Jimmy Connors in 1995! The veteran also became the fourth player in the Open era with at least one ATP victory in 21 consecutive seasons, joining Jimmy Connors, Tommy Haas and Roger Federer on the exclusive list. Ivo won seven points more than Pablo, fired 27 aces and got broken twice from the Spaniard's four chances.

Andujar wasted his opportunity at the beginning of the decider and got broken at 2-2 to propel Karlovic over the top and into the second round. Ivo saved a break point with a forehand winner in game three and broke Pablo at 4-3 following his opponent's double fault. Ivo converted the third set point in game nine to move in front, with players trading breaks at the beginning of the second set to stay neck and neck.

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Andujar scored a break just before the tie break to grab the set 7-5 and gain momentum ahead of the decider. As we already said, he squandered a break chance in the final set's second game and lost serve at love at 2-2.

The Spaniard saved a match point on serve in game nine before the Croat held at 15 thanks to a service winner a few minutes later to secure a place in the second round and earn another age milestone.

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