CINCINNATI, August 21, 2016
Andy Murray and Marin Cilic will meet in Sunday’s final of the Western & Southern Open. The top seed from Great Britain and two time Cincinnati champion extended his career-long unbeaten run to 22 matches with a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Milos Raonic in 90 minutes.
“I didn’t get broken the last couple of matches and when I was in difficult situations I made good choices,” Murray said. “That’s helped keep the matches shorter. If you’re a bit lower on confidence, regardless of how fresh you are, if you haven’t played loads of matches you make bad decisions in those moments. And because I’ve won a lot the last few months, that’s something that has been good, especially this week for sure. I’ve needed it to be because I haven’t been feeling perfect. I’ve managed to get through the matches pretty well.”
In the second semi-final on another rain interrupted day and evening at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, Marin Cilic battled past Grigor Dimitrov 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. The world number 14 from Croatia sent down seven aces, winning 74% of his first service points. He converted four of his six break point opportunities to advance in two hours and 23 minutes. The encounter ended at 1:35 am local time.
“It’s a big win for me, first time in a Masters 1000 final,” said Cilic, who will play for the title only 15 hours after finishing the encounter against Dimitrov. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m feeling good on the court. I played great this week. I’m excited to be in the final playing against Andy. He is in great form, playing great tennis. I hope tomorrow I’ll play a good match and I know I’ll have a good chance if I play well.”
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