The last Grand Slam tournament of the season has always been an exciting one, not only it gives us fantastic matches, but interesting storylines. When 128 players were battling out for a spot in every rounds, dark horses appeared on top. But Grand Slam events are champions forte, it doesn't guarantee you a title. In fact, big names fall before the final four has been completed. With No.2 seed Roger Federer taking on No.14 seed Marin Cilic and No.1 seed Novak Djokovic will take on No.10 seed Kei Nishikori. Who will emerge victorious and guarantee its spot to the finale?
The Semifinals #1
Djokovic vs. Nishikori: Head-to-head recordwise, these two are fair with each other at one match a piece. Nishikori scored its biggest win over Djokovic at the 2011 Basel Open semifinals. Both are playing well and both will grind the ball to produce spectacular play. This is Nishikori's first trip to semifinals of any Grand Slam and he got much successes at Flushing Meadows as the court suits his game well. But Djokovic has been a US Open Champion and knows how to play at this stage.
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| Kei Nishikori | Novak Djokovic |
The No.10 seed has been involved in long battles before reaching the semifinals stage. He took out No.5 seed Milos Raonic in the fourth round 4-6|7-6(7-4)|6-7(6-8)|7-5|6-4 to tie the record of the match finished at 2:26 AM. Then, his flashes of brilliance was displayed when he defeated No.3 seed and 2014 Australian Open Champion Stanislas Wawrinka in the quarterfinals in another marathon match, 3-6|7-5|7-6(9-7)|6-7(5-7)|6-4.
The 2011 US Open Champion Djokovic was barely tested in his quarterfinal match against No.8 seed Andy Murray. Murray managed to take one set in his 7-6(7-1)|6-7(1-7)|6-2|6-4 loss to Djokovic. Given such performance, it will take Nishikori's extra effort to wear down Djokovic. But does Nishikori has still left in his tank to do it given Djokovic has been involved in marathon matches in his career.
Athleticism is the key for both of these semifinalist. But Djokovic has more advantage than Nishikori, in terms of weapons, experiences, executing shots, and dealing with pressure and nerves during crunch time. Tough call? Not so much. As Djokovic will see himself in another US Open final.
Finalists: Djokovic
The Semifinals #2
Federer vs. Cilic: No.2 seed and five-time US Open Champion Federer has a winning edge against Cilic. In five matches, Cilic has yet to score a win again Federer. Four of those wins by Federer came on hard courts. Federer has been dominant in Flushing Meadows and fans love to see him win everytime he stepped on the court, as they were thrilled how the Swiss Maestro played.
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| Roger Federer | Marin Cilic |
No.2 seed Federer almost bowed out in his quarterfinal match against No.20 seed Gael Monfils. He saves two match points en route to semifinals with 4-6|3-6|6-4|7-5|6-2 win. Federer has a winning record against Monfils. But Monfils was determined not only to score a win but to book a spot in a coveted semifinal. Unfortunately, stars are aligned to Federer as his the one to advance to the next round. Monfils left to wonder how opportunites slipped through his hands.
Monfils had to take out No.7 seed and improved player Grigor Dimitrov in the fourth round. It is no stranger for Monfils to face Federer, but what strange is how he came close from one match to the other still haven't got a win when he need it most.
Federer's net play has been improved as was on display in his comeback match against Monfils, winning 53 points out of 74 attempts, an outstanding 72 percent. Will this be the key against Cilic? Cilic, who never participated in 2013 US Open due to his ban but came back strongly under the guidance of former Wimbledon Champion Goran Ivanisevic.
Cilic, who defeated No.6 seed Tomas Berdych 6-2|6-4|7-6(7-4) in their quarterfinal match, can put pressure on Federer as what he showed in their quarterfinal match in 2014 Rogers Cup, before Federer walk away with 7-6(7-5)|6-7(3-7)|6-4 win. Can Cilic can finally crack a coveted Grand Slam final? Or Federer will ease himself through and get another a step close to long-awaited 18th Grand Slam title. Experience will definitely give a huge advantage. It depends on Cilic how hunger he is to become a Grand Slam champ.
Finalists: Federer
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