14-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic overcame Marin Cilic 7-6(7), 6-2, with the help of a serving masterclass to top the Guga Kuerten Group at The ATP Finals.
The Friday night showdown was an irrelevant encounter in one respect. Regardless of what happened, it would have no impact on the group. Djokovic had already qualified for his eighth semifinal at the event, whilst Cilic knew this would be his last match of 2018 on the ATP Tour. Nevertheless, the lack of significance didn’t impede on the quality of Djokovic’s play. In a masterclass that saw him lose only four points behind his serve and hit a total of 17 winners.
“I knew before the match that I have qualified for the semi-finals and I knew who I would be playing. It wasn’t easy to approach this match with 100% and to win it.” Said Djokovic.
“Both of us wanted to win from the first point and it was a really close first set that probably decided the match.”
Despite holding a commanding head-to-head record of 16-2 against Cilic going into the match, Djokovic was tamed throughout a gripping opening set. With both players standing firm behind their serves, 12 games went by with no break. Although Djokovic did have a chance to at 3-3 but was denied by some fiery shot-making from his opponent.
Ultimately it was a pulsating and tense 16-point tiebreaker that separated the two. After saving a set point whilst trailing 5-6, Djokovic battled back to secure the set. Capitalizing from two consecutive Cilic unforced errors to clinch the 7-6 lead. Prompting an eruption of cheers among the animated crowd inside The O2 Arena.
Heading into the second set, Djokovic won an impressive 31 consecutive point behind his serve. Fighting to disassemble the fighting spirit of his opponent, the Serbian secured his first break with the help of a Cilic forehand going wide. Elevating him to set and a 3-2 lead. From that moment on, Djokovic charged towards the finish line. Securing victory with the help of a backhand winner landing deep in Cilic’s side of the court.
“I’ve been trying to use the serve accurately to go for the precision, rather than the speed. I’ve had three huge servers in the group – Isner, Zverev, and Cilic.” Djokovic analyzed when discussing his performance.
The 31-year-old will be hoping to continue his winning streak in the last four when he takes on Kevin Anderson. He leads the South African 7-1 in their head-to-head with his only loss occurring at the 2008 Miami Masters.
“He has played some big tennis throughout this year. It’s definitely his best season.” The current US Open champion said of Anderson. “The last couple of years he has been playing his best tennis. He continued doing that throughout the tournament.
He’s serving well, playing well and being aggressive. I know what to expect.”
Djokovic is now 13-0 against top 10 opposition since the start of Wimbledon.
