The 40 Club: Karlovic Scores Historic Win

They say 40 is the new 30. If that’s true, Ivo Karlovic will certainly be one to watch as 2019 rolls on.
The big-hitting Croatian blasted into the second round at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, topping Matthew Edben 7-6(3), 7-6(3) in one hour and 49 minutes. He recovered from an early deficit in the second set to advance, breaking back when the Aussie served to force a decider on Stadium 5.
It was a historic victory for Karlovic, who was competing in his first match since turning 40 on 28 February. He became the first player aged 40 and over to win an ATP Tour match since Jimmy Connors in Halle in 1995. In addition, he is the oldest to win a match in ATP Masters 1000 history.
Karlovic, who also became the oldest titlist on the ATP Challenger Tour last year in Calgary, as well as the oldest finalist on the ATP Tour since 1977 (in Pune this year), is appearing in Indian Wells for the 14th time. His best result came in 2011, when he reached the quarter-finals.
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The Zagreb native will look to continue his strong run of form when he faces countryman Borna Coric on Saturday. In two previous FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings, Karlovic won both encounters, prevailing in Bucharest in 2015 and at Wimbledon in 2016.
In other action, Jordan Thompson claimed a marathon three-hour and 23-minute encounter against Federico Delbonis to earn his first ATP Masters 1000 match win. The Aussie prevailed 6-4, 6-7(6), 7-6(5), converting his fifth match point to set a second-round meeting with Dominic Thiem.
Arguably the biggest upset of the day was provided by qualifier Marcos Giron, who surprised Jeremy Chardy 7-6(3), 7-6(1) in his ATP Masters 1000 debut. It has been a year of firsts for the 25-year-old, a former UCLA standout. After claiming his maiden ATP Challenger Tour title in Orlando in January, he is enjoying a tour-level breakthrough in Indian Wells. Not only did he score his first Top 100 win in four years in qualifying, upsetting Thomas Fabbiano, he would follow that up with his first ATP Masters 1000 win.
More: Giron Grabs First Challenger Crown In Orlando
Also, Martin Klizan booked his spot against Alexander Zverev after defeating Mischa Zverev 6-1, 6-4 and Sam Querrey ousted Matteo Berrettini 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-4. 

Source: ATP World Tour