Our expert panel takes a look at the 2018 Australian Open men’s semifinals as Marin Cilic looks for a second career Grand Slam title opposite Kyle Edmund, who is aiming to be the British #1 and reach his maiden slam final. South Korean young gun Hyeon Chung has already made tennis history for his country, and now he’s taking on the legendary Roger Federer, the tournament favorite, in the second semifinal. Previews and predictions await.
Marin Cilic vs. Kyle Edmund
David: A 2017 Shanghai Masters hard-court victory for Cilic is the only head-to-head between these players. It has been a miracle that Edmund has been able to stay injury free. Kyle Edmund has the big serve and power to trouble the Croatian. However, Cilic has that “been there and done that” factor that will be invaluable and it is feared (from a British point of view) that he will simply grind Edmund down. Cilic in 5
Vithun: Edmund’s win against Grigor Dimitrov was his first ever Top 10 win in his career and his first victory that left me lost for words due to how impressed I was with him. I feel that he will have a let down after a win of that magnitude, against an experienced opponent who seems to be very good at taking advantage of his opportunities. Cilic in 4
Brett: Kyle Edmund has had a nice run so far to the semifinals beating top players such as Kevin Anderson, and Grigor Dimitrov. I don’t think he has enough to defeat Cilic who’s been in this spot before. The 2014 US Open champion won’t let an opportunity this good slip, Cilic will reach the finals of the Australian Open for the first time in his career. Cilic in 4
Yesh: I’m not sure what to do with this match. Both players are playing well and hitting the ball very cleanly. Cilic has more big-tournament experience and a little less mileage these two weeks, so I’ll go with him. Barely. Cilic in 5
Hyeon Chung vs. Roger Federer
David: The NextGen Finals Champion: Hyeon Chung will probably only now, be recognised as the brightest NextGen star. Often overshadowed by Rublev and Shapovalov in the publicity stakes, Chung has consistently out-performed his rivals. The 4th round victory over a beleaguered Djokovic in fearless fashion has raised excitement at the future of men’s tennis. Equally impressive was the follow up victory against Sandgren in the quarterfinals. It shows that Chung doesn’t suffer from complacency.
Federer now has a 20-6 record against Berdych and has rarely been threatened by him, but first set Berdych looked the better player in their quarterfinal. There are chinks showing in Federer’s armour. Chung’s ability to keep points long and suddenly up the tempo, gives him a great shot against the legend. In fact, I think he’ll do it. Chung in 4
Vithun: This has probably been one of Federer’s easiest routes he has ever had in a Slam. Whilst I think he has played better than he is currently in the last 12 months, he should have enough to get past a 21 year-old who has no experience of being in a Grand Slam semi-final with relative comfort. Federer in 4
Brett: This has probably been one of Federer’s easiest routes he has ever had in a Slam. Whilst I think he has played better than he is currently in the last 12 months, he should have enough to get past a 21 year-old who has no experience of being in a Grand Slam semi-final with relative comfort. Federer in 3
Yesh: Chung looked so impressive early in the tournament, and especially when he beat Djokovic. Federer won each match with ease, but not in such impressive fashion. That all flipped in the quarterfinals. Unless things change drastically in a few nights, Chung is not playing nearly well enough to even keep the match close. Federer in 3
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