Marin Cilic has become the first Croatian player in history to reach an Australian Open final after battling past an animated Kyle Edmund 6-2, 7-6(4), 6-2, in the semifinals.
The sixth seed entered the match as the favourite against his rival, who was making his debut in the last four of a grand slam. He was able to utilize his experience from the onset as he upped his intensity to prevail during the crunch moments. Meanwhile, a fiery Edmund tried to match the Croat as he engaged in a heated confrontation with the umpire during the second set.
“I feel really good. Today the intensity was a bit different to the match against Rafa (Nadal).” Cilic said after his semi-final win. “In that match I lifted my game a lot and my energy was really good on the court.”
“I think overall I’m feeling really good.” He added.
A shaky start saw Cilic save two break points in his opening service game before settling into his rhythm. Taming the blistering forehand shots coming from across the court. The first breakthrough for the world No.6 occurred in the sixth game of the match. Increasing the power of his shot-making, Cilic broke for a 4-2 lead after an Edmund shot tapped the top of the net before landing out. That moment ultimately sealed the first set for the Croat as he broke once again two games later. Hitting a forehand winner into the corner of the court on set point.
Initially there were concern that Cilic was suffering from a physical issue as he was seen repeatedly flexing his right leg, but those fears eased as the encounter progressed. On the other hand, Edmund appeared to be suffering from the effects of winning five consecutive grand slam matches on the tour for the first time in his career. Undergoing a medical time out during what was a seven-minute delay between the first and second sets.
The mood of the British player deteriorated further after a hawk-eye challenge from Cilic during the second set. A serve from the Croat was called out, but was later confirmed in. Prompting the umpire to reward the point. A furious Edmund argued that the out call from the linesperson impeded his return. During an intense argument, the world No.49 said ‘get the referee, that’s rubbish.’ In the end an official walked onto the court to diffuse the situation, but the decision of the umpire remained.
“I didn’t agree with what the decision was.” Edmund later said in his press conference. “The decision or what the explanation he gave me, but the nature is he’s the umpire. It’s his decision. I have to deal with that and move on”
Following on from the incident, Cilic found himself facing a different player. Edmund had managed to channel his frustration into his tennis as he hit a series of high quality shots. Prompting praise from the Melbourne crowd. Still the momentum surge failed to derail the former US Open champion. Battling into a second set tiebreaker, Cilic once again established his dominance by breaking for a 4-3 lead. Hitting a deep shot to trigger an error from his opponent. The two-set lead was then secured with a backhand winner down the line.
“I think in the second set I was a little bit up and down with my game.” Reflected Cilic. “I was not getting enough returns back to put pressure on him and his service games.”
“I just tried to stay mentally focused and try to play every single point. It was extremely crucial in the tiebreak to keep that pressure.”
Charging towards a place in his third grand slam final, the relentless Croat refused to let up as he continued to pile the pressure onto his faltering opponent. Battling to a 3-1 lead in the third before securing a double break for 5-2 thanks to another Edmund error. Victory was then sealed after a 172km/h serve out wide the was unsuccessful returned by the Brit.
“I noticed that in the third game of the third set when I broke him, he let a couple balls go past him.” Cilic said about closing the match.
I was seeing with his movement that he was a little bit restricted. So I just tried to move the ball around.”
The 29-year-old is the first player from outside the ‘Big 4’ to reach the final in Melbourne since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga back in 2008. He has also equalled the Open Era record for more appearances at the Australian Open before reaching the final. This year is his 10th time in Melbourne.
Despite the straight sets triumph, Cilic has praised Yorkshire-based player Edmund. The Brit is only the sixth man from his country to reach a grand slam semifinal in the Open Era.
“He’s playing great tennis and over the past couple of years he has improved a lot. He has started this year great and has had a extremely tough run to the semis.” Cilic said of Edmund.
“He’s got a bright future and we will be seeing him around (on the tour) a lot.”
Cilic will play either defending champion Roger Federer or Hyeon Chung in the final. Regardless of the outcome, he is set to rise to third in the ATP Emirates rankings in what will be his best ever position.
