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2010-01-27 18:36:02
The Tennistalk panel has been breaking down the “Matches of the Day” for each day of the Australian Open. We're down to one match per day, and Thursday's showdown features Andy Murray and Marin Cilic.
(5) Andy Murray vs. (14) Marin Cilic
Murray leads the head-to-head series 3-1, but it is tied 1-1 on hard courts.
2007 Davis Cup World Group playoffs (Grass): Murray 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3
2008 Madrid Masters 3rd round (Hard): Murray 7-5, 7-6(2)
2009 French Open 3rd round (Clay): Murray 7-5, 7-6(4), 6-1
2009 U.S. Open 4th round (Hard): Cilic 7-5, 6-2, 6-2
Ricky "Tsonga in 5" Dimon: Murray in 4 (6-3, 3-6, 6-4, 6-2) - Murray should probably get the job done in straight sets, but I refuse to pick that; not after what Cilic has displayed this fortnight. Sure Cilic has been dreadful at times, but he has come up big at the right times, and he'll need to come up big as a huge underdog in this one. Murray was on fire against Nadal, but even though Nadal played well, Cilic won't let Murray dictate play like that.
Cilic didn't let Murray do anything in their recent U.S. Open encounter, but of course that was a much different Murray. While that match means little going into Thursday's showdown, it means a lot for Cilic's confidence. He knows he has a chance against the Scot on any given day. I highly doubt the confidence will translate into another massive upset, but it could very well earn him at least one set. Look for Cilic to hang in there early before Murray pulls away and reaches his second Grand Slam final.
Cheryl "Djokovic in 3" Murray: Murray in 3 (7-5, 6-4, 6-1) - Cilic is the player who knocked an uninspired Murray out of the U.S. Open last fall – in easy straight sets. This is not the same Murray that showed up in New York, however. The Murray that defeated Nadal in the quarterfinals showed a perfect combination of defense and offense. At the U.S. Open, Murray was passive and even a bit lethargic – he showed neither of those qualities in Melbourne.
Cilic, meanwhile, HAS to be tired. He went five sets against Del Potro and Roddick - and Murray isn't hurt like either of those players. I think Muzz is going to give him a free tennis lesson on Thursday.
Vincent "vamosrafa's support is keeping me alive" Glenn: Murray in 4 (6-2, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3) - Cilic has had a grueling run to the semifinals. The Croat has played three five-set matches and he's bound to be feeling fatigued. He's unlikely to be relishing the thought of a clash with Murray. The Scot's foot speed and quick thinking are likely to test Cilic. The underdog will be forced to play many shots and, if he is feeling weary, could end up making a whole host of unforced errors.
Cilic, as he proved against Murray at the US Open in September, has the power to pose problems. I think this match, however, will be a step too far for him and he'll fall to a four-set defeat.
Tell a friend »
CILIC IN 5!!!!
missyRF , 1/27/10 6:59 PM
Vincent "vamosrafa's support is keeping me alive" Glenn
hahaha. aww. am quite jealous of vamosrafa getting a mention in the blog now :P :P
Sib69 , 1/27/10 7:44 PM
I really want to see Federer - Cilic final on Sunday!!
Do you, all three of you experts, really think Cilic has no chance here? :(
Colleen , 1/27/10 8:01 PM
LOL@sib69 ,vincent's nick and your comment make me feel really good :)
vamosrafa , 1/27/10 8:06 PM
Colleen - to answer your question, no, I think Cilic has a chance.
RickyDimon , 1/27/10 8:07 PM
For all the hype arround the Brit Hero, he is slightly better than Hennman and far short of a GS title. He is known to falter after promosing early round flourishes. Cilic has a good serve, a good ground stroke, a fine slice, good net play and above all a fedlike composure to overwhelm and surprise AM. He will prevail. He is the only one with the promise to replcate the RF legend.
newfangkc , 1/27/10 8:34 PM
Murray in 3: 6-4 7-6 6-2
orion , 1/28/10 2:38 AM
Wow newfangkc, what a compliment for Cilic, 'the only one with the promise to replicate the RF legend'. I like his game, it's so beautiful to watch. He needs to be mentally tough though in order to fight with the likes of Delpo, Murray and Nole.
Murray is also one player that has all the shots in the book, something like Fed. The only thing is he is more a counterpuncher kind of guy and his forehand is certainly not the most formidable weapon of his and sometimes guys with big forehand can blow him off the court. He needs to do all the running in order to win points. He reminded me of the earlier days Rafa, only with more weapons.
luckystar , 1/28/10 11:20 AM
This result puts Murray past Nadal in the rankings, meaning the spaniard will be the world #4 from next week.
Murray can still claim the #2 spot if he wins the AO.
Cilic is the new #10 in the world.
I can't remember when Nadal was the #4 player in the world.
Bonker , 1/28/10 3:27 PM
Nadal has never been the No. 4 player in the world.
He went from No. 5 to No. 3 when he won the 2005 French Open.
If Del Potro passes Nadal before the French Open, Nadal and Federer could meet in the quarterfinals.
RickyDimon , 1/28/10 3:51 PM
Standings
1.Ricky :26 points (with 2 more rounds to go ,the tenacious predictor looks to outshine his rivals)
1.Vincent:26 points (says with conviction to Ricky'will not let you pull away with the lead without a battle royale)
3.Cherl:25 points ( still with an outside chance of sharing the top spot with her rivals/rival)
*Ricky Demon's hold on the golden racquet is as good as guaranteed
*I know all experts will pick federer so Cheryl needs luck to finish at the top, if she is correct for the final and both ricky and vincent incorrect . :)
VAMOS CHERYL!
vamosrafa , 1/28/10 4:14 PM
vamosrafa - whats your email?
and Ricky DEMON!?!??!?! Epic.
RickyDimon , 1/28/10 6:29 PM
Tsonga vs. Federer - http://www.tennistalk.com/en/blog/Ricky_Dimon/20100128/Match_of_the_Da y:_Federer_vs._Tsonga_-_Expert_Picks
RickyDimon , 1/28/10 6:50 PM
Hope some of you folks are eating your words....add plenty of vinegar....
deuce , 1/28/10 8:40 PM
hahaha..yes ricky 'demon' :P after having snacthed poor kelli's golden racquet and staying tied to the top stop for almost every day of the fortnite has eanred you this 'demon' title :D. my email is syedhasanmurad@hotmail.com , can I have yours please ? :) it will be great .
vamosrafa , 1/28/10 9:14 PM
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hahaha ...such a nice comment Vincent Glenn :D
VAMOS VINCENT !!! :p
vamosrafa , 1/27/10 6:50 PM