First set
1-0 Cilic - An opportunity missed
Some trademark powerful forehands earn Edmund two break points but Cilic finds form on his first serve for a key hold
2-2 - Ominous signs
The Croat seems to have gained in confidence after the early scare and has Edmund scampering around on his serve. Some impressive defensive work helps the Briton hold as commentator John McEnroe says he was “sliding into shots a la Djokovic”. Cilic is unperturbed, winning the next game to love, the first of the match.
4-2 - First break to Cilic
Unlike his opponent, Cilic takes his first chance to break. At 15-40 he sends a return long but then gets lucky when an Edmund backhand clips the net and loops wide.
6-2 - First set to the sixth seed
Cilic gets a third break point and he takes it in emphatic fashion with a dismissive cross-court forehand into the corner. A ruthless and relentless start from Cilic.
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Key stats
Second set
1-0 Cilic makes up for lost time
Having lost the first set Edmund takes a medical timeout. John McEnroe thinks he needs a change in tactics. “He could go after Cilic’s second serve more, maybe attack the net, he’s got to make something happen,” the American says on commentary. Cilic gives him no chance though once he returns to the court, taking the first game of the second set to love.
Key stats
3-2 - Edmund’s anger at umpire
A Cilic serve is called out as Edmund attempts a return. The No 6 seed challenges the call and is given the point as the ball clips the line. Edmund is fuming, and makes the point to umpire John Blom that the point should be replayed as the call came as he made his shot.
“There’s no way that call affected you,” says Blom which only angers Edmund more. “Get the referee, that’s rubbish, I’m not having it,” he says. “The call came as I was hitting it”. Tournament referee arrives but after a minute of demonstration Edmund must continue. To add to the frustration Cilic holds.
5-5 Losing his cool
Edmund, fighting hard to stay in the set, has further complaints for Blom with the big screen changing in his eye-line as he attempts to serve. He holds again to take the set to a tie-break
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6-6 (5-3) More controversial calls
A late call from a line judge kills off a rally and again a challenge helps Cilic as he is reprieved and the point is replayed. Edmund is given no chances his time and is soon facing three set points. He saves one but can’t stop Cilic taking the second set.
Key stat
Third set
2-1 Another early break for Cilic
“He’s lost something, his body is getting heavier,” says McEnroe as Edmund begins his attempt at something he has never managed before - coming back from two sets down to win. It looks impossible as a weak shot into the net hands Cilic an early break. “Edmund looks to be toast,” says McEnroe.
5-2 Limping Edmund concedes another break
Plenty of fight shown by Edmund but his body is failing him and is clearly limping. Cilic moves him around the court easily and despite saving a break point he sends a shot long to give Cilic the chance to serve for the match.
Game, set and match
Fittingly Cilic seals victory with another inch-perfect serve which Edmund can only drop into the net.