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  • Wimbledon 3rd Round: Paul-Henri Mathieu vs. Marin Cilic

    6/27/08 4:55 AM | Jonathan Morgan
    - These guys will duke it out for an amazing 5th time already this year, including for the 3rd straight grass event in successive weeks!

    Needless to say, these guys know a bit about each other's games. They met in Miami and then Munich, both won by the Frenchman in 3 sets. They then played in Queens on grass, again won by Mathieu in 3, before Cilic got his revenge, winning the following week in Nottingham, in.....3 sets.

    This match is on a huge stage, with huge potential for both. After Roddick and Blake tumbled out in the 2nd round, a wide open draw is for the taking. The winner here could easily have a shot at the semis. However, that is getting a bit far ahead.

    In this match, Mathieu comes in knowing he can beat Cilic on both clay and grass, despite it being in 3 sets. Paul-Henri Mathieu (PHM) has been known in his career as a choker and someone who has loads of talent but could never mentally put it together. He has a shot here as Cilic seems to be his toughest test until the semis.

    PHM will need to keep himself together and return the big Croat's serve. Cilic will employ a big serve followed by a quick strike forehand attack. If the Croat can get the point after those 2 shots, then he is in good shape. If the rally lasts any longer than that, Mathieu should win the baseline rallies, although Cilic's ground game is surely improving.

    This match can go either way, but Mathieu should be the favorite.

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