By Erik Gudris | Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Top seed Novak Djokovic rallied from two sets to one down as he reached the Wimbledon semifinals.
Photo Credit: Kieran Galvin / CameraSport
For a moment, it seemed Wimbledon might slip away from Novak Djokovic right under his feet.
Wimbledon - Dimitrov Upsets Defending Champion Murray
The top seed entered his quarterfinal against Croatia's Marin Cilic owning a 9-0 head to head record. Cilic himself appeared on Court No. 1 knowing that but also knowing he had played great tennis to reach his the last eight of Wimbledon for the first time.
Early on, another routine win for Djokovic seemed inevitable. Taking hold of an early break, Djokovic soon raced away with the opening set 6-1.
Things wouldn't be so routine in the second set. Cilic, showing more aggression, would convert on his lone break point in the set. On the strength of 11 winners, Cilic would claim it 6-3.
Djokovic, who often slipped or fell during multiple points, grew more frustrated at his inability to win break points. Midway through the third set, Djokovic was a dismal 2 of 11 in that department. That all culminated in Djokovic dropping serve while at 5-all.
Cilic though wouldn't close out the set right away, Up 6-5, Cilic would hit a smash winner but end up touching the net with his racquet. That miscue soon led to Djokovic breaking right back for 6-all. Djokovic again would have trouble keeping on his feet during the tiebreak. Several tumbles from the top seed soon created set points for Cilic. Another Djokovic error allowed Cilic to celebrate taking a two sets to one lead.
Djokovic, who changed shoes to help with his traction, soon righted himself. Breaking Cilic once and then twice, Djokovic assumed a 3-0 lead.
An easy hold of serve from Djokovic a few games later gave him the fourth set 6-2. Looking more confident and more like he did at the start of the match, Djokovic would not look back.
Winning an extended rally in the opening game, Djokovic once again held a break point. A drop volley winner from the Serbian gave him an early 1-0 lead. Djokovic would hold serve and force Cilic to play catch up in his own service games.
Cilic did that until at 4-2 when Djokovic struck again with a forehand winner that Cilic could only net. With that, Djokovic had the insurance break for 5-2.
Djokovic wasted no time serving out the match. A final volley winner from his racquet sealed the 6-1,3-6, 6-7(4), 6-2, 6-2 win.
Djokovic now enters the Wimbledon semifinals for a third year in row. He will next play Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria who upset defending champion Andy Murray.