Karlovic makes history in Pune, Djokovic bows out

Pune, Jan 5: Ivo Karlovic made history at the Maharashtra Open on Friday, but Novak Djokovic's impressive run at the Qatar Open came to an end.

Karlovic - who turns 40 on February 28 - prevailed in the battle of the veterans with Steve Darcis in Pune, the Croatian completing a 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-3 victory to become the oldest ATP finalist since Ken Rosewall in 1977.

Not since Rosewall's progression to the 1977 final in Hong Kong has a player older than Karlovic vied for a title - and the Croatian will hope he emulates the Australian by going on to win on Saturday.

A total of 33 aces rained down from Karlovic's racket during the three-set encounter, with the match's crucial break coming in the fourth game of the decider.

Fifty-six days shy of his 40th birthday, @IvoKarlovic defeats @SteveDarcishark at @MaharashtraOpen to become oldest finalist on record since 43-year-old Ken Rosewall at 1977 Hong Kong. Rosewall went on to win the title.

— ATP Media Info (@ATPMediaInfo) January 4, 2019

He will meet Kevin Anderson next after the top seed overcame Gilles Simon in the second semi-final, the South African motoring to a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) triumph.

In Qatar, Djokovic saw his 13-game winning streak come to an end as Roberto Bautista Agut came from a set down to knock the world number one out.

It was only a second win over the Serbian for Bautista Agut - his first coming in 2016 - and it will live long in the Spaniard's memory.

"I will remember this match all my life," he said after the 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 win.

"I work every day to play this tennis. I know it's difficult to play at this level. That's why Novak is number one in the world. But I cannot be more happy than I am now."

How about a for Roberto @BautistaAgut after that incredible performance to beat World No. 1 Novak Djokovic

Match Report https://t.co/S2NlXNj0Et pic.twitter.com/4HUsB19Mjq

— ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) January 4, 2019

Bautista Agut will meet Tomas Berdych in Saturday's final after the former world number four overcame Marco Cecchinato in straight sets.

Berdych - playing in his first tournament in six months after a back injury - saved three set points before moving ahead, the Czech converting his fourth match point to complete a 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 victory.