[7] Marin Cilic (CRO) vs. [24] Sam Querrey (USA)
Querrey has never beaten Cilic in their four previous encounters, three of which were on grass. Two of the three grass-court encounters were at Wimbledon and they both went to five sets. In 2009, Querrey won the first and fourth sets only to lose the match: 4-6, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4. In 2012, the loss was even more devastating, he won the third and fourth sets only to lose a thriller fifth set to lose the match: 7-6(6), 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-7(3), 17-15. Thus, while he did not win, he came close; he just needs to figure out a way to cross the finish line to victory.
Querrey had to go five sets in the third round against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga; in the fourth round he had to go five sets against Kevin Anderson; and in the quarterfinals, he also had to go five sets against the defending champion and number one ranked player, Andy Murray. Cilic only had to play one five set match in the quarterfinals against Gilles Muller. How much will Querrey have left in the tank mentally and physically? He will need his wits at maximum capacity to try to get his first victory over Cilic. The knowledge that he has never defeated his opponent will be an extra burden that he will have to overcome. Can he play inspired tennis and get his first victory over the Croat to get to his first Major final?
In the back of his mind must be the realization that he can win this if he can conquer his nerves; yet, how can Querrey conquer the nerves that have repeatedly cropped up to derail his plans. Today’s match will be a defining moment in Querrey’s career and hopefully he will come out on the winning end.
ADDENDUM: Fatigue caught up to Querrey. He won the first set and was up a break in the fourth but could not hold on to his serve. Marin Cilic won 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-5 and is into his second career major final. He won the US Open in 2014.
SOURCE OF IMAGE: Bing search (Zimbio)
