ZCZC
BSP-04
TENNIS-ATP-WTA-USA
Djokovic to face Cilic as Cincinnati title dream draws closer
CINCINNATI, Aug 18, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Former world number one Novak Djokovic
won his second match of the day on Friday to set up a semi-final clash at the
ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters with Marin Cilic.
Djokovic, a five-time finalist here who has never broken through, is aiming
to lift the trophy at the only one of the Masters 1000 series events that he
has never won.
The Serb tenth seed followed up a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 third-round defeat of
holder Grigor Dimitrov earlier in the day of a rainy week by beating Milos
Raonic 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
It was the eighth win without a loss for Djokovic in the series with the
Canadian.
“I’ve played five finals here, so that’s pretty OK,” Djokovic said. “But I
do wish to win the title, without a doubt.
“I’m here to enjoy a sport that I love, I’ve got plenty of motivation.
“I’m in a good position, so I’ll take it step by step.”
Djokovic had to come from behind in the first and third sets, and helped
seal the victory with a break for 5-3 in the third.
“Milos is one of the best servers in the game,” Djokovic said. “Just a few
points decided the winner.
“It’s tough to play aggressive against someone serving that well. Tough to
play against someone serving so big.
“I was fortunate to read his serve on several occasions.”
Djokovic beat Raonic for the ninth time without a loss.
Cilic put out Spanish 13th seed Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6 (9/7), 6-4.
Women’s top seed Simona Halep recovered from 1-4 down in the opening set,
reversing her losing momentum to defeat Lesia Tsurenko 6-4, 6-1.
It was the second fightback of the day for Halep, who came from a break
down in each set to overhaul Australian 16th seed Ashleigh Barty 7-5, 6-4
several hours earlier n the third round.
Double Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova reached the final four over Belgian
Elise Mertens 7-5, 5-7, 6-3.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0957 hrs