Marathon man wins third four-hour epic of Aus Open

Reigning finalist Marin Cilic is out of the Australian Open, losing an epic fourth-round clash to Spanish marathon man Roberto Bautista Agut.

World No.22 Bautista Agut needed three hours and 58 minutes on Sunday night to put away the sixth-seeded Croatian, prevailing 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4.

Cilic, who lost last year’s final to Roger Federer, fired 17 aces but was unable to stop Bautista Agut advancing to the quarter-finals of a major for the first time.

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The 2014 US Open champion reeled off 65 winners but also made 73 unforced errors – almost double that of his opponent.

It is Bautista Agut’s third five-set victory for the tournament, continuing a hugely impressive run that has also included victories over an injury-hobbled Andy Murray, Australia’s John Millman and 10th seed Karen Khachanov.

His wins over Murray and Millman both lasted four hours.

The 30-year-old had lost in the fourth round of a grand slam in each of his nine attempts, including three at Melbourne Park.

“I’m in the quarter-finals and that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“I did a great job this pre-season (and) working a lot during a lot of years.”

with AAP