US Open: Roger Federer says Marin Cilic played 'incredible tennis' in semi-final clash
Sunday 7 September 2014 10:42, UK
Roger Federer admitted that he had no answer to the “incredible tennis” of Marin Cilic in the semi-finals of the US Open.
Cilic reached his first grand slam final after a stunning 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over the five-time champion, completing a day of semi-final shocks after Kei Nishikori had earlier beaten Novak Djokovic.
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Federer seemed outgunned from the start of the first set and could not come close to mounting the same sort of dramatic comeback which he produced in his five-set win over Gael Monfils in the last eight.
"It's fairly simple: I think Marin played great. I maybe didn't catch my best day, but I think that was pretty much it in a nutshell,” Federer said.
"I was feeling good. I just think if I could have stayed longer with him in the first set, I felt like there was a proper match going on.
"But him playing with the lead, he played with no fear and just full-out confidence. He served great when he had to. Credit to him for just playing incredible tennis."
Record
With Djokovic already out of the tournament, Federer would certainly have seen this as a great chance to extend his grand slam record with an 18th title.
The 33-year-old has won more matches than any other man this season but it is more than two years since his last major victory.
Federer added: "I'm just really disappointed after how well I have played this season, especially here also at the tournament. I really felt like I could win this tournament.
"I don't need (another title) to be more happy or anything. But the moment itself, it would mean a lot.
"I'll give it a go again in Australia - I hope to be healthy there. I enjoy playing there. It's been one of my most consistent slams. I hope to get another chance at it. I can't do more than try really hard, which I'm doing."
The US Open title match between Cilic and Nishikori will be the first time since the Australian Open in 2005 that a slam final will not feature one of Federer, Djokovic, Rafael Nadal or Andy Murray.
Cilic said: "I think it's going to be a sensational day for both of us. I'm extremely happy to be in the final for the first time. I'm just going to enjoy it, be happy and try to win."
