![]() | Andy Murray of Britain has been upset at the U.S. Open, losing in straight sets to Marin Cilic of Croatia. The 16th-seeded Cilic beat the No. 2 Murray 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 Tuesday to reach his first Grand Slam quarterfinal. |
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Marin Cilic of Croatia (R) shakes hands with Andy Murray of Great Britain after defeating him during day nine of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2009 Nick Laham/Getty Images |
Matt Cronin's Day 9 Picks
Tuesday, September 8, 20092- ANDY MURRAY VS. 16-MARIN CILIC
Murray showed last year in knocking out Rafa Nadal and reaching the final that he is here to stay, and this year, he's attempting to show that he's matured enough to win his first major.
His on-court intelligence cannot be underestimated, nor can his ability to read his foe's tendencies and make mid-match adjustments. Plus, his return of serve is already legendary. Just ask the big-serving Taylor Dent, who was passed dozens of times and made to hit impossibly low volleys in his rapid loss to the Scot on Sunday night.
Murray and the tall and powerful Cilic have met three times, with the world No. 2 taking all those contests, including a straight-sets win at 2009 Roland Garros. Cilic has done a good job gutting out wins here and can rip the ball off both wings. He moves well for a guy who is 6-foot-6 and, if he stays patient, can hurt Murray. But the Croat will likely be too pumped up and get confused trying to figure out what Murray's game plan is. Cilic will take a set, but Murray will get through in four.