Nine of the last 12 sets between these two have ended either 6-3 or 6-4 and it’s 4-1 on the Sportsbook that Murray will take the opener 6-3.
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The match was actually bookended by rain, with the slippery lines an area of concern.
After the pair split the first four games of the opening set, Cilic upped his level and broke twice successively to take a double-break, 5-2 lead.
But it’s perhaps advantage Cilic in terms of the conditions, which are expected to be dry and sunny and Murray hasn’t played at this time of day all week in Cincy, which may prove a problem for him early on.
British tennis legend Andy Murray showed off his football skills during a semi-finals match at the Cincinnati Masters in OH and it could have seen him penalised. “Still, it’s for me still a long, long way to get there”.
Dimitrov, who improved his record to 4-2 against Wawrinka, was near flawless on serve in the second set, dropping just three points.
“That is not a formula of success by any means”.
“I really didn’t expect to be here” said Murray.
Andy Murray beat Milos Raonic for the fifth time this season as the Olympic gold medallist rode his Rio momentum into the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters on Saturday.
“Because I’ve won a lot the last few months, keeping the matches shorter is something that has been good, especially this week for sure”, he said. “I’ve managed to get through the matches pretty well”. After coming from Rio and after the marathon that I had, it’s a very important victory for me. Like everyone says, it’s tough, the first match of the tournament. I’ve needed it to be because I haven’t been feeling ideal. “I’m glad I don’t have to wait round until 11:00 to get on the court”.
Cilic won for just the third in 14 career meetings against Murray. Seven finals in a row, winning Wimbledon again, and the Olympics.
Both are foes he would be comfortable in beating and indeed although he is tired from Rio, and the adjustment to the surfaces, Murray has yet to drop a set.
He should have enough in the tank to defeat either.
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Despite the late start and finish to the second semifinal, the men’s final is still scheduled for 4pm ET.
