First-Time Winner Spotlight: Borna Coric

Borna Coric claimed his maiden ATP World Tour title in stunning fashion at the Grand Prix Hassan II on Sunday. Coric overcame third seed Philipp Kohlschreiber 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 for the Marrakech crown, storming back from a break down in both the second and third sets and saving five championship points.

Coric is the third player from the current #NextGenATP contingent to lift an ATP World Tour trophy, joining Alexander Zverev (St. Petersburg 2016 & Montpellier 2017) and Karen Khachanov (Chengdu 2016). He is the third first-time winner this year, joining Gilles Muller (Sydney) and Ryan Harrison (Memphis).

ATPWorldTour.com spoke to Coric after his victory:

How does it feel to win your first ATP World Tour title?
It’s an awesome feeling. I didn’t know what to expect when I came here and I wasn’t in the best shape. But I’ve been working very hard the past three or four months and now it’s paying off.

Was it something you were dreaming of as a child?
Absolutely. It’s a dream if you’re a tennis player. Now I can say I have won a title, so it’s very important for me.

What was your approach preparing for this match, compared to last year’s Marrakech final?
I was just trying to make it very simple and to not go too big with my game. I was trying to be consistent and play my game.

You beat three seeds on the way to the title. What parts of your game clicked this week?
I was focused in all the matches and didn’t lose my calm. I just played very well and served very well and that made it much easier for me.

What are your goals for the end of the year, now that you’ve won your first title?
Top 20 is my goal [in the Emirates ATP Rankings]. I said that at the beginning of the year and that’s still my goal. 

Who are the people that have guided you to this point?
My family definitely. They made all this possible since I was four or five years old. They’ve been supporting me for the past 15 years and it’s very special.

You are close to the top of the Emirates ATP Race To Milan standings. Is that a goal of yours to reach the Next Gen ATP Finals?
For sure it is. I’m not sure if it will happen or not, but that’s a goal for sure. I need to continue to work hard.

Is there a player that you admired while growing up?
Goran Ivanisevic and Mario Ancic. They are top Croatian players. I always watched them when they were playing. Those were the players I looked up to most.

Talking about the Ancic family, how has your coach Ivica Ancic helped you?
We have been working hard the past few months. Like I said, I need to continue to put in the hard work and improve.