Cilic: Experience was key to claiming Stuttgart Open title

The Croatian, who did not drop a set all week, hit seven aces on his way to a 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 win in one hour and 50 minutes.

At 32, Cilic is the third-oldest Stuttgart champion in the Open Era (since April 1968) behind Roger Federer, 36, and Barry Phillips-Moore, 33.

It brought up his 19th ATP Tour title and he believes the knowledge he has amassed in his career was crucial to overcoming an opponent 12 years his junior.

"Experience plays a big part, especially on grass," he said in quotes reported on the ATP website.

"The conditions can be difficult; the court plays quite quickly. I felt this was a good chance for me to give it my all, keep my intensity.

Marin makes a statement @cilic_marin wins the first #ATPTour grass-court event of 2021, defeating Auger-Aliassime 7-6, 6-3 at the @MercedesCup. #MercedesCup pic.twitter.com/wCrgu3XbKR

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 13, 2021

"Even though some games were up and others down, that was a big part of my victory today.

"It was a very important win. I played two semi-finals and did not win a title since 2018, also on grass at Queen’s.

"Winning here brings out joy for me, good confidence and a good feeling.

"I felt like I was playing good tennis these last few weeks. Winning here is a great way for me to continue my form and it gives me a good sign for Queen's and Wimbledon.

"It is a joy to win my first title with my family here for the first time at any tournament."

Auger-Aliassime, who has now lost all eight ATP Tour finals he has contested, had no complaints with the result.

"Today, I am not facing a final, I am facing Marin Cilic; it is two different things," he said.

"There have been times when I have not played my best then I felt I was not playing well, but this time around, I felt like it was close.