Rafa Nadal would be devastated, having to retire from his fiercely competitive quarter-final against Cilic due to a hip injury that got pretty aggravated in the 5th set. Cilic won 3-6, 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 2-0.
Nadal had asked for a medical time out earlier in the match, but his movement was clearly hampered, as he laboured on in the latter parts of the 4th set and in the opening part of the decider.
But once Cilic broke him in the 5th, Nadal had had enough, walking ever so slowly to the net to finally retire from what was a very entertaining quarter final.
Cilic was over the moon after win(being sympathetic towards Nadal as well), having gotten his first win over Nadal since 2009 and progressing to the semi-final of Australian Open for the first time since 2010.
“It was an unbelievable performance from both of us. It’s really unfortunate for Rafa. He’s an unbelievable competitor, always gives his best.” Cilic said.
“When you’re wounded, sometimes the balls are going in, so I was really paying attention to the first couple of games. It was absolutely important for me to continue with my intensity.” he added.
Cilic would be playing Edmund in the semi final, a humongous occasion for the young Brit.
“A few five setters, tough battles, and then a great match today. Big congratulations to him for making the semi-finals. Kyle is also a big hitter, big serve, big forehand, so I have to take care of my side of the court.” Cilic said.
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