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  • Novak Djokovic vs. Marin Cilic in a 3rd round Balkan battle

    8/30/08 2:26 PM | Jonathan Morgan
    - Its always good fun when a Croat and a Serb meet up in a Grand Slam, and even better when its two quality players such as these.

    Expect a raucous and football crowd atmosphere in this one that may end up being the night match for Sunday. Both men will thrive under those conditions and will be fired up to put on a good display.

    As for the match itself, Cilic has a shot. Marin is 6'5'', the standard Croatian height, and has a giant serve. He also moves rather well for a big man and has explosive power off both wings. Djokovic is a few inches shorter but also has a stunning serve and finishing power from both sides. Cilic is better at the net than Djokovic but Novak moves better than Marin.

    Cilic's strategy will be to throw down big serves and back it up with flat, aggresive strokes on both forehand and backhand before closing the net to knock off the volley. Djokovic has looked solid but nothing special thus far and could have easily lost a set to Kendrick. Novak will need to step it up against Cilic if he wants to get through.

    Cilic is not quite ready to make the jump to the big time just yet and Djokovic should take it. Cilic will probably fare how his fellow 1988'er Gulbis did against Roddick. Play great tennis, have a great time, perhaps take a set, but in the end come up short. Like Roddick, Djokovic is far too strong mentally. Maybe in another year or two for Cilic.

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