Cilic makes it finally
Croatian edges Querrey to reach first Wimbledon final in 11th attempt
CROATIA’S Marin Cilic reached his first Wimbledon final at the 11th attempt with a 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 win over America’s Sam Querrey.
“It’s unbelievable. I have played really well from the start of the tournament,” said the seventhseeded 28-year-old Cilic.
“Sam played at a high level especially in the first set. I was 4-1 up in the tie-break and didn’t convert.
“But after that I was better in the return games. I thought the level was really high.
“I’m feeling a positive on the court.
“It’s extremely important. My emotions are helping me a little bit.”
Cilic, who was US Open champion in 2014, fired 25 aces and 70 winners past world No. 28 Querrey, the man who ended Andy Murray’s reign as Wimbledon champion in the quarter-finals.
Cilic trails Federer 6-1 in headto-head meetings and is level at 6-6 against Berdych.
Whoever he faces tomorrow, he said he is ready for the challenge.
“It’s definitely going to be a huge semi-final between Roger and Tomas. It’s an open match,” he said.
“Roger is playing the best tennis of his career on this court. Whoever it is I will be ready.”
Cilic is the second Croatian man to make the final after 2001 champion – and former coach – Goran Ivanisevic.
“I never doubted it. Who knows what will happen in the final? It’s great to see Cilic there,” Ivanisevic told the BBC.
Cilic took a 4-0 career lead over Querrey into yesterday’s semi-final, including a marathon 5hr 31 min win at Wimbledon in 2012, the second longest match in tournament history.