I really didn't know what to expect from this match, but my hopes went high after the first set. He seemed utterly unimpressed by the occasion, focused and as fresh as could be expected. I thought he lacked aggression from 2nd set onwards, which is always a losing proposition.
He was tired, and his time will come. His opponent was a worthy winner.
Oranges, you and I have liked Marin for a while, and you know I said this would be his breakthrough tournament in the thread about who would break through.
Semis is actually right for him when you think of the Australian Open's recent history and finals-then-flameout brigade. Marin is a steady builder. He's improved so much in the last year or two, not that you'd know it from all the stupid Gu-echo hateration that used to infect here.
It was a real pleasure to watch his tennis at this tournament, to see him fight off nerves with resolve, and witness the new finesse and speed in his game. And yet he has much to improve, which is a good thing.
I was worried for a set and a bit, not because Murray was behind, but because he had clearly reverted to Plan A and it wasn't working.
Once he hit what the commentators called "the turning point" it was all Plan B to win the second set, and then a sensible mixture of both to get the win.
Yes, Cilic ran out of gas as expected, and this was a factor, but Murray's excellent play was a bigger one.
Im delighted Murray got through but his first serve was very poor today, he took alot of pace off and still made very few first serves. He abseloutely has to serve better against Federer.
Q. Your first Grand Slam semifinal didn't turn out like you would want, but what were your thoughts on the game generally?
MARIN CILIC: Well, I mean, in the end I'm, of course, a little bit sad because of the final result. But overall I played beginning of the match very good, and with that part I was really pleased.
I think I played some great points. I was standing on the court really good. I was playing some unbelievable points there. I think later when he got back into the game in the second set when he broke me, I think he got a little bit of the momentum going and wasn't easy after to get back into it.
I would say my first‑serve percentage was low, and I had to play a lot of rallies, which I didn't turn out playing as well as in the beginning where I was a little more fresher and a little closer to the ball. I was pushing him a little more and putting more pressure. Instead, he was doing that on me. It wasn't easy to get out of those kind of situations.
Was impressed by Cilic. Expected him to be thrashed, but he came out all guns blazing playing some superb attacking tennis. Beautifully fluid ball-striking. He was too tired to keep it up, but he showed great composure & fight even though he must have known he had no chance of winning. As for Murray, some spectacular points and he got the job done, but he was looking seriously rattled until he broke in the 2nd set and he really needs to learn how to handle being the favourite on the big stage. With luck this win will help him do that.
Yes, Cilic surprised me at this year's Australian Open - he has improved his volley! I think he's a workaholic and it's a good sign for his fans. During this tournament he gained a lot of experience and self-confidence. Last year it looked impossible he would win a Masters Series tournament or reach a GS final, now it's possible. Obviously he isn't still a material for a Grand Slam champion but if he'll improving, maybe someday... Evidently he's a player who builds his career slowly, step by step. The question is: what would he improve to be a better player? I think he has improve his 1st serve. In a match like today's when he felt that legs aren't fast enough, should have increased the speed of 1st serve (Del Potro for example thanks to better 1st serve hung in matches against Blake and Cilic). If Cilic had better 1st serve there would have still been a margin to beat Murray 6-3 4-6 4-6 7-6 6-2.
But congrats to Murray on his 2nd GS final- he has a really good chance. I'll probably be rooting for whoever plays him but I hope he maintains this level for the final and we can see a great match.
This event is certainly fixed. The Prince came to visit Federer to tell him that he ain't going to have it unless Murray wins the final. I am sure Federer can get a knighthood or something for throwing that match, but let's face it. Murray can't win a slam without others pulling strings for him. Rafa had to retire. Isner was just so tough, and of course Cilic was just unbeatable, right? Murray won't be anything other than a one slam wonder even if he wins this.
I don't care what people say, Murray beat Nadal. Rafa was playing 100% the first two sets, and as far as I'm concerned the injury meant nothing.
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