Djokovic Downs Cilic, to Face Gasquet in Wimbledon Semis

July 8, 2015 | By Brian Coleman
Djokovic_Crop_01_4
Photo credit: Calvin Rhoden

World number one Novak Djokovic eased into the Wimbledon semifinals on Wednesday, beating 2014 U.S. Open champion and ninth-seeded Croatian Marin Cilic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Djokovic entered this match knowing it would be heavily dictated by the serve. Facing the big-serving Cilic, Djokovic was able to nail down one break point in each set and surrendered no break point opportunities, resulting in the simple straight-set score line.

After nailing down his lone break point and capturing the opening set, Djokovic broke at 4-4 in the second set for a 5-4 advantage. He would consolidate it with a hold to give himself a two set to love lead.

After six holds to open the third set, Djokovic nailed down the lone break point of the set to take a 4-3 advantage. From there, he served out the set to eliminate Cilic and reach the final four.

“I came out with the right intensity, moved well all over the court, tried to get as many returns back in play,” said Djokovic. “I didn’t allow Marin to come back to the match. It was a close game when I was serving for the set. I think that helped my confidence to feel better afterwards.”

Djokovic is now 13-0 in his career against Cilic. He will take on 21st seeded Frenchman Richard Gasquet next.

Gasquet played fourth-seed and French Open champion Stan Wawrinka in his quarterfinal match Wednesday. In the only match not to be decided in straight sets on the day, Gasquet outlasted Wawrinka 6-4, 4-6, 3-6, 6-4, 11-9.

After they exchanged sets through the first four, the two were deadlocked at 6-6 in the deciding fifth-set, forcing the match into a super tiebreaker.

Wawrinka had a chance to break 9-9, leading 40-30 on Gasquet’s serve, but failed to capitalize as the Frenchmen held serve. In the next game, Gasquet opened up a 40-0 advantage and found himself with three match points.

Wawrinka would get it back to 30-40, but a long backhand would seal his fate, and book Gasquet’s spot in a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since the 2013 US Open.

“It was tough and I made some mistakes. He had big confidence after Paris and I had to fight,” said Gasquet. “I really wanted to win. It came down to mental strength. I was aggressive and it was a great battle.”

When asked about his thoughts on playing Djokovic next, Gasquet added:

“It will be tough but I’m happy with how I’ve played. I’ll try to play my best again against the best player in the world.”


Brian Coleman
Senior Editor, Long Island Tennis Magazine
Brian Coleman is the Senior Editor for Long Island Tennis Magazine. He may be reached at brianc@usptennis.com.
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