Top seed Andy Murray has booked a showdown with former Queen’s champion Marin Cilic following a gruelling 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, win over young British hopeful Kyle Edmund.
The encounter was a significant occasion for British tennis. It was the first time that the ATP had witnessed an all-British quarter-final since 2002. The implications of the match were also important for underdog Edmund, who was bidding to grab his first top-10 win to progress to his first ATP semifinal.
Despite the disparity of experience between the two players, Murray was put to the test throughout the entire match. Initially, it seemed as if the four-time Queen’s champion would dominate proceedings from the onset after breaking for a 2-1 lead with a forehand down the line. It failed to turn out that way as 21-year-old Edmund showed no visible signs of nerves in only his second ATP Quarter-final (first on the grass).
Ironically, it was the world No.2 that appeared fragile on centre court with two consecutive errors allowing Edmund to break back. The hope was there for the world No.85, but Murray pounced once again. A spectacular diving volley at the net rewarded him with a break for 4-3. Unlike the start of the match, the top seed didn’t falter with a break advantage as he produced two aces alongside a forehand winner to seal the 50-minute set.
Murray has lost to Edmund once before in the final of an exhibition tournament at The Royal Albert Hall in London. This was perhaps one explanation as to why the top seed was unable to tame an inspired Edmund in the second set. Back-to-back breaks of Murray’s serve enabled the underdog to serve for a chance to level the match at one set all. The 29-year-old also endured the misfortunes of slipping over twice. Despite having a triple opportunity to break back, Murray prevailed after a deep forehand down the line secure the set for the underdog.
Frustration in the Murray camp grew as a 40-0 turned to 40-40 thanks to some sublime shots from Edmund, before the top seed eventually got off to a winning start in the decider. Sensing the possibility of a shock loss, a sudden surge in Murray’s intensity levels enabled him to grab a break for 2-0. The scare for the top seed was over as he dominated the remainder of the highly entertaining match against a rapidly tiring Edmund. The roller-coaster quarter-final win was finally completed with the help of a deep serve from the four-time Queen’s champion.
“I train with Kyle a lot so I know how good he is. He is big, strong and when he is on, he is very tough to play against,” Murray said following his win.
“I have felt that in practice and I felt that in the match. Kyle served extremely well, but I tried to up my aggression at the start of the third set and thankfully it worked.”
Marin Cilic awaits in the semifinals
Next up for Murray will be former US Open champion Marin Cilic, who struggled past America’s Steve Johnson 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4. There was little to distinguish between both men until a nightmare game from Johnson towards the end of the match. At 4-4 an unfortunate slip on the grass by the American rewarded the fifth seed with only his second break of the entire match. Capitalising on the heartbreaking falter by his rival, Cilic closed out the match with a speedy serve down the centre of the court, which was returned out by Johnson.
In his tenth consecutive appearance at the Queen’s Club, the 2012 champion will now play in his sixth quarter-final this season against Murray. During Saturday’s semifinal, Cilic will have to contend with the British crowd as well as his opponent. It might be a daunting prospect for some, but Cilic will be relishing the occasion.
“I’m looking forward to tomorrow’ match. I’m going to play Andy, so it’s going to be probably a little bit of the crowd against me.” Cilic admitted.
“I’m going to enjoy that. I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere here, and I really thank everybody for their support.”
Murray currently leads Cilic 10-3 in their head-to-head and 4-0 on the grass. Saturday’s semifinal will be their first meeting on the tour since 2014.
