Marin Cilic bounces over Fernando Verdasco to reach quarters – Shanghai Rolex Masters 2012
Seeded 10th in this event, Marin Cilic from Croatia tumbled the former world number seven, Fernando Verdasco, in a three-set thriller at the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2012 on Thursday. He hit back to formulate a 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory against the
Spanish veteran to secure a spot in the last eight at this hard court event held in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China.
The Croatian star made a drastic start at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena. However, he made a fitting reply and not only equalised the set scores but dominated in the deciding set, eventually sealing the deal in two hours and seven minutes. Battling
each other for the seventh time, Cilic took revenge for his loss at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris last season and lowered trail in the FedEx ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) Head 2 Head Series by 3-4 against the Spanish veteran.
The left-hander from Spain showed exceptional skills after entering at this ATP Masters 1000 event. He plucked his entire serves after brushing off all four breakpoints he came across. Verdasco cashed the lone break opportunity in the seventh game and ultimately
bagged the opener with a 6-4 win.
Cilic made a spectacular reply in the following set. He drew the first blood in the second game and cruised to a 3-0 lead. After Verdasco held his serve in the fourth game, the Croat pocketed the last three games and pulled out the equaliser with a breadstick.
He swiped his entire serves without facing any trouble and converted two out of three break chances to his advantage.
Ranked 16th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Cilic maintained consistency in his game in the final set. He got the coveted break in the third game and jumped to a 3-1 lead. The Croat then held his remaining serves with poise
and clinched the decider with a 6-4 score line.
Next in line for Cilic is the top seed, Roger Federer from Switzerland. The Swiss Maestro made an epic comeback from a set down to triumph over his compatriot, Stanislas Wawrinka, with a bagel.
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