Stan Wawrinka outclassed Marin Cilic, 6-3 6-3 6-1 to progress to the semi-finals at Roland Garros
Going into the match both men had yet to drop a set, Cilic looking the more impressive in his previous matches. However it was the 2015 champion who made the best start as he saved break point to hold for 1-0 lead. Wawrinka capitalised on the Croatian’s weak backhand and a backhand down the line secured the early lead of 2-0. A fairly comfortable hold in the following game maintained the brilliant start by Wawrinka for a 3-0 lead. Stan’s backhand looked fierce and was constructing this match on his terms. However Cilic’s big forehand would save him in the fourth game as he held for a 3-1 deficit. Wawrinka continued to establish dominance in the set and wrapped it up 6-3 in 35 minutes.
It was a more positive start from the Croatian as he held comfortably for a 1-0 lead in the second set. The Croatian again wasted a break point opportunity on the Wawrinka serve with a narrowly missed backhand, this resulted in the third seed holding for 1-1. This appeared to give Wawrinka confidence as he broke to love in the next game to lead 2-1. Again Cilic wasting big opportunities cost him in the match. However later in the set Cilic finally took his opportunity as a shanked Wawrinka backhand gave the Croatian the break back at 3-3. However Cilic lost focus and Wawrinka broke straight back to love in the following game. Wawrinka would then win the next two games to storm into a two set to love lead. Is there anyway back for Cilic.
The multiple time grand slam champion started where he left off as he broke the Croatian’s resistance, which lead to a 3-0 lead for Wawrinka in 10 minutes. The Swiss started to hit winners as the Croatian’s game was starting to unravel as unforced errors crept into his game, a wild forehand completed a second break for Wawrinka to storm into a 4-0 lead in the third set. Despite the former US Open champion getting on the board, it was Wawrinka’s day as he stormed 6-3 6-3 6-1 victory to seal his 12th win over the Croatian.
It was an impressive victory for Wawrinka who is still yet to drop a set a Roland Garros. In the Semi-Finals he will play either Andy Murray or Kei Nishikori on Friday.
