A blockbuster quarterfinal on Friday in Basel will pit Rafael Nadal against Marin Cilic. A far more surprising showdown features fellow Americans Jack Sock and Donald Young.
(7) Marin Cilic vs. (3) Rafael Nadal
Nadal and Cilic will be squaring off for just the fourth time in their careers and for the first time in more than four years when they clash in the quarterfinals of the Swiss Indoors Basel on Friday. Nadal is leading the head-to-head series 2-1 after cruising 6-1, 6-3 on the clay courts of Rome in 2011. They have split their two previous hard-court encounters with respective blowouts; Cilic dominated 6-1, 6-3 in the 2009 Beijing semifinals before Nadal coasted 6-2, 6-4, 6-3 in round four of the 2011 Australian Open.
Despite a mostly disappointing season, Nadal qualified comfortably for the World Tour Finals. The seventh-ranked Spaniard is starting to post improved results, with a final in Beijing, a semifinal in Shanghai, and now a quarterfinal in Basel thanks to three-set wins over Lukas Rosol and Grigor Dimitrov.
Unless he gets an alternate spot, Cilic will not be returning to London–where he made his year-end championship debut in 2014. But that is mainly because a shoulder injury forced him to miss basically three full months of the season. At the moment, the 13th-ranked Croat is playing like a sure-fire top 10 player. He is 17-4 since the start of the U.S. Open and 6-0 in his last six matches, a stretch that includes a title last week in Moscow and straight-set Basel victories at the expense of Marco Chiudinelli and Teymuraz Gabashvili. Cilic has the prototypical game that can trouble Nadal: big serve, first-strike groundstrokes, and a flawless two-handed backhand. And unlike Rosol, he is consistent enough to execute his game-plan.
Pick: Cilic in 2
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Donald Young vs. Jack Sock
It’s not often that anyone–especially not an American–faces three consecutive Americans at a 32-man indoor event in Europe. But that is what Sock will do when he goes up against Young on Friday. The world No. 29 has already taken out countrymen Denis Kudla and John Isner, both in straight sets. A red-hot Sock is an outstanding 34-16 for the season and coming off a runner-up showing last week in Stockholm.
Surprisingly, this is only the second career meeting between Sock and Young, and first at the ATP level. They previously collided at the 2013 Winnetka Challenger, where Sock prevailed 6-3, 6-4. Also back on the rise just like his opponent, Young registers at 49th in the world thanks in part to an improbably dramatic run to the U.S. Open fourth round. The 26-year-old has advanced this week with victories over Henri Laaksonen and Kevin Anderson. This should be high-quality affair with both men extremely confident right now, but an edge goes to Sock based on superior firepower.
Pick: Sock in 3
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Sock will continue to go as the Royals go. When he wins, they win.
“He is 17-4 since the start of the U.S. Open and 6-0 in his last six matches,”
None of those wins against a player ranked better that No. 18.
It would be Cilic’s first victory over a Top 10 player in over a year since he beat Fed at the US Open in 2014.
That said, picking Rafa matches is a coin toss.
The Cilic who beat Fed at the USO was an impersonator. 🙂 He hasn’t shown up since.
Have you been asleep in 2015?
I haven’t been asleep at all.
This is Rafa’s least stressful match so far in Basel.
Shouldn’t be but probably will be. I didn’t realize Cilic has beat Nadal one out of three I thought or assumed really that Rafa had won like 5 out of 5 or something. Still I don’t know if Cilic has the mental strength or belief to beat a top player right now even if it is a less dangerous version of Rafa. Still I think Nadal will fight through. I was thinking Nadal in two but I’ll give Marin a set. An upset isn’t out of the question but I’m taking Rafa nonetheless.
I wouldn’t call a guy who is ranked #13 should be dismissed. It’s true that Cilic is not playing at the level he was in 2014, but the shoulder injury cost him three months this year. He’s done well to be where he’s at right now.
Sorry, I meant to say I wouldn’t say that a guy ranked #13 should be dismissed!
I can see why Ricky took Cilic in straights though. I just have a feeling Rafa will step u his game when it matters most and Marin will disappoint with the opportunity kinda like dimitrov did.
That match in Beijing in 2009 when Cilic easily beat Nadal, Nadal didn’t turn up, he said he wasn’t mentally on court, I expect due to the emotional stress he was under with the divorce of his parents going through and being on call from Spain with the latest developments, so I discount the result of that match.
Of course, if Rafa turns up below par, anything can happen, but if he is switched on, he should come through.
As for the all American match up I’m gonna take young in 3. I think this will really solidify young’s recent improved consistency. Plus he will be less tired and I think he should match up well with sock.
Rafa will find a way to win. Cilic does serve well but hes more one dimensional than Dimi. Cilic’s weakness is his FH and if Rafa knows and exploits that, I like Rafa’s chances of winning.
Rafa will find a way to win. Cilic does serve well but hes more one dimensional than Dimi. Cilic’s weakness is his FH and if Rafa knows and exploits that, I like Rafa’s chances of winning.
I should say Cilic is one dimensional compared to Dimi (Dimi isnt one dimensional).
I agree that Rafa will find a way to win. But I don’t think it’s going to be easy. Cilic hasn’t been great this year, nowhere as good as last year when he won the USO, these indoor hard courts suit his game.
I like the way Rafa has been fighting and changing his tactics in his matches. He’s got the better tennis brain and also more weapons at his disposal. But I think it could go 3 sets.
I don’t think winning necessarily makes a player tired. I am going with Sock to get the win over Young in 3 sets.
Another match with two American men. Nice to see!
Team Cutness lost 75 76 to Rojer/Tecau. Not a bad showing, their opponents where the #2 seeds.
I just want a Fedal final to see Ricky pick Rafa as the favourite anytime anywhere.
That would be epic.
Wouldn’t that be lovely!
Depends.
Nadal vs Cilic AO 2011
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmuk49_australian-open-2011-4-th-round-rafael-nadal-vs-marin-cilic-highlights-hd_sport
These were the days, oh how I really miss those days!!!
I’m neutral on these matches but it would be really interesting to see how much young could challenge Rafa on these courts and how they r both lefties would make for an entertaining matchup imo unless of course young got blown off the court.
The chance would be a fine thing as that would be the final although I prefer Fedal in the final myself. Epic.
Oh geez lol thought that could be a semi nvm there’s basically no way that’s happening lol.
Fedal would be awesome.
If Fed can’t beat this version of Rafa indoors in his home town, there is no hope for him to ever beat him again.
True.
Sock might take care of Federer.
Not in Switzerland that just won’t happen imo.
Why not?
Not anywhere anytime.
Obvious reasons lol. Roger in Switzerland, more experience, federer’s serve, fed is fed, etc.
Yes, Sock is not beating Fed in Basel!
OOP for Friday:
http://www.protennislive.com/posting/2015/328/op.pdf
flawless backhand Cilic really? it was awful today
yes, technically. His forehand is the side that breaks down.
It’s true. His backhand is really smooth.
Reblogged this on Tennis Abides.
Be calm, be focused, be confident, be brave, be strong, Rafa!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSjO62-WUAAn0cw.png:medium
even this version of Rafa can and should beat Cilic…his game isn’t impressive at all and depends a lot on his first serve…time for Rafa to implement those changes that he talked about…if it works that will be great…if not, who cares…it’s not the end of the world even if Rafa loses today…
I always think that slicing a lot should be implemented against Cilic…he can not bend his knees sufficiently well…and also he should be forced to run…he is tired already…and he is not much of the runner either…let’s see whether Rafa will do it properly…I just hope Rafa doesn’t end up camping behind the baseline…
Vamos Rafa!
I would never bet against Federer in Basle although Delpo’s pulled it off twice.
Kolbi made him work for the win. Don’t know what happened to Fed’s serving in the first two sets (1st serve only 48% including a double fault in each set). but he raised it to 88% with 8 aces during the decider. Whatever his game plan was he left it pretty late to pull the fat out of the fire. Ok, I know,. I know – that’s what champions do 🙂
Presumably Roger will clean up his act if he has to face Sock. if anyone is going to cause the upset it’s Sock. Highly unlikely Goffin will.
Novak had also beaten Fed in the Basel final of 2009. Hes beatable at Basel.
very much so
Unlike some American players both Sock and Young seem at ease on European soil.
Could be tricky for Sock as they’ve never played each other but his experience should come to the fore in this match.
Sock in 3
correction: they have not played each other on the ATP circuit.
I’ve not been overwhelmed by what I have seen of Cilic in recent months but like every body on the tour facing Rafa he will be pumped up for this match. And Rafa will be, too.
It’s bound to be another nailbitting ride on the switchback for his fans but again with a happy outcome.
Rafa in 3 (with at least one, even two TBs)
It seems like when ever a under dog is playing a top ten player, the dogs up their level significantly. The dogs I believe care about the win over a top player much more than winning the tournament. For example, nadal vs Tsonga recently. I have never seen Tsonga do a monfils style dive shot and he did it to get a match point. That day was ridiculous. Or. Kyrgios when he beat federer last year, kyrgios was playing 100% serious every point and this is very rare for kyrgios.
Beating top players carries a lot of kudos. Look how Kyrgios became famous just by beating Nadal once. Even though he hasn’t done much since he is still seen a s a great player and his CV is dominated by beating Nadal.
When the hell did Donald young get so good. He used to be a scrub last year.
He is playing bad. Sock has been worse.
Me thinks Sock is looking a touch jaded today. Not surprising he’s played a ton of matches recently. There has to be a time when he will need to choose between doubles and singles.
I’m not too impressed with Sock today; maybe he won’t be able to defeat Federer should he go through. Not that I want Fed defeated at all costs, I just thought it was a possibility.
It wasn’t.
does it look like sock will still win? up a break in the second?
he is playing terribly
He might gas out soon I’m scared
Neither of these players will make a dent on Federer playing like this should Fed go through, of course.
no i do not think either will of course even though i thought before this match sock could maybe make it competitive
So did I.
he better win right now, this is awful
Sock gased out I’m so close to hitting my parlay and the one I’m least worried about is a upset happening
Messy set of tennis from both men.
Very messy. I don’t like how sock provoked young by making a gun sign to his head. That rally was top level from young that one time when sock did a lot shot and young hustled hard
Short of a castrophe you are in luck tonight
what happened
Sock scraped through. That was where experience at this level told came to his rescue.
Young Socked and drawered
Rafa won the toss, I think he elected to serve.
I just got home, haven’t even taken my stuff out of the car. I was trying to follow the score of Rafa’s match but that’s not a good idea when you are driving.
So they are on serve so far.
keep me posted someone about the nadal and cilic. Im at work cant watch
this thread will have u covered
easy holds the whole way so far
I never speed, but I drove home like a maniac to see this match. The things I do for Rafa!
So far Rafa seems to be serving well. Of course, Cilic is too.
my brain saids cilic is in champion form and will win, my heart saids nadal has the champion inside and if the champ comes out then he will win.
Have they been on serve whole set?
Cilic strikes the first killer blow 🙁
Rafa’s DTLF missed by 2mm
Not anymore. Rafa was broken at 4-4. Now Cilic will be serving for the first set. That was a sloppy game from Rafa at a key point where he needed to hold.
Dang I really thought Rafa forehand was gonna be in.
It was so close, but too bad. Costly.
That’s tough because Rafa was doing well and holding his serve. Somehow I can’t see Cilic not getting it done here.
Big test now for Rafa’s nerves. Was so sure 1st set would be a TB
Why is Rafa arguing against hawkeye? The umpire can’t do anything about it.
Rafa is upset about losing his serve and then the first set. I thought for sure they were headed for a TB.
Rafa has to put that line call and his failed challenge out of his mind.
Yes, also losing the first set.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSlkootWcAA7Q28.png
🙁
All you need to do is look at Cilic’s serving stats. Also, Rafa only had 1 winner in the whole set?
Rafa having to find to hold his serve in the first game of the second set.
Find? I meant to say fight!
Come on Rafa!
Oh no! Cilic breaks Rafa. 🙁
Cilic has raised his level for this match. Rafa has his work cut out now to get back into the it. It’s unlike him to let things simmer.
Rafa is giving Marin’s too many balls to slaughter. And set up camp way behind the base line.
I agree.
I think the wind has gone out of Rafa’s sails.
Vamos Rafa!
We just have to come to terms with it being one step forward, two steps back.
lol
Uncle Toni and the others are looking resigned………………
Will be Cilic’s first Top 10 in over a year.
Back to the drawing board for Rafa. Ricky is off the hook. He won’t have to pick him over Fed anywhere anytime.
Hey, it ain’t over yet. Rafa hasn’t quit.
That’s not a helpful comment, if you dont mind my saying so Hawkeyes
Which part? The Ricky part? I’m confisued.
I thought your 1 step FW 2 steps back was epic! 🙂
We have to keep our sense of humour through all this for sure, no?
I agree, hence my response to the effect that Rafa hasn’t given up yet. It’s not over until it’s over!
Hey, ed was the one who said everybody looked resigned. Sheesh. 🙂
Not like you to be confused ?
That’s not a helpful comment, if you dont mind my saying so eds.
I said U.Toni and the team looked resigned. Not us lot. They’ve cheered up now 🙂
BTW NNY you’ve changed your tune. Earlier you said ‘ Somehow I can’t see Cilic not getting it done here.’ 😉
Oh ed no you di’int!
LOL
Okay! Rafa breaks back! Now maybe he will get some momentum going.
That’s what the doctor ordered.
YES! Rafa holds and consolidates the break! He’s not out of this yet. Rafa is hitting his forehand much better now. He looks more focused.
He needed something to change the dynamic and shake things up after losing the first set. Now he looks pumped up again,
Annacone is talking about the adjustments that Rafa has made, going more to Cilic’s backhand and forcing him to hit it on the run. That is what he thinks is the difference now.
i got a lot riding on this and bautista please rafa pleasee
Rafa is more focused now and playing better. What I am really happy about, is that he’s still in there fighting. That’s all anyone can ask of him. He’s not giving up. But his shots have been just that much off today and I think he’s been frustrated by it. The backhand and the forehand have been somewhat off and it’s cost him. But he is hanging in there.
Vamos Rafa!
YES!! Finally! How many times did Cilic DF in that game? This was Rafa’s opportunity
Now Rafa – HOLD YOUR SERVE!
Come on Rafa! You can do it!
Yes, 2nd set for Rafa!
That’s our Rafa. Bravo.
YES!!! Rafa wins the third set. Battling all the way. We are going to a third set.
Well done Rafa!
Rafa knows how to keep his fans alert.
Vamos Rafa!
I predicted this morning we would be in for a nailbiting rollercoaster ride. It’s quite like old times.
Cilic holds to stay alive
or more accurately, “within striking distance”
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSlw1dRUkAAVP-z.png
🙂
What’s happened to Christophe Umlaut?
Must’ve eloped with Mary and RITB I guess.
Do you know him?
Vamos.
Cilic’s serve stats went way down in the second set. More errors from Cilic.
I am so proud of Rafa!
I said right here! It ain’t over until it’s over!
Vamos nadal!!!!!!
Ooo la la! Rafa breaks!
Vamos!
Can you believe it? Rafa breaks Cilic in the first game of the third set!
I need nadal bautista and fed and I hit a ten team parlay!! Should I buy cigars now or too early
The cigars but send a couple over to me. I’ve just smoked a whole pack of ciggies with all the tension and the shops are shut.
I dont even smoke its for show
Get the electronic one to tide you between packs of ciggies. 🙂
15-15
Rafa holds and it’s 2-0. You can do this, Rafa!
One more break will do it Rafa.
Vamos!
LOL. Ricky has to pick Rafa over Fed anywhere anytime on Sunday.
#Excited
#NoLife
Rafa has reached 78% first serves with 71% points won.
first is good, second is bad
why is 71% points won on first serve bad?
That was a cruel netcord that gave Cilic the point. In the end it didn’t matter. He has to serve to stay in the match.
Cilic does not stand a cat in hell’s chance of beating Rafa let alone in straight sets.
Good last game to close out the match, Vamos Rafa!
Hah! What did I say! For all the grief I have taken here, I was the one who said – it ain’t over until it’s over. I was with Rafa all the way!
Rafa in 3 sets! Congratulations to me!
Way to go, champ! Rafa is in the semifinals! 🙂
I believed in you, Rafa!
NNY: I posted this response higher up on the thread which you must have missed.
BTW NNY you’ve changed your tune. Earlier you said ‘ Somehow I can’t see Cilic not getting it done here.’ 😉
Haha. Epic.
C’est moi. LOL.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSl58AEUsAE9bAu.png
🙂 🙂
Yea !!! Just need federer ml to win two grand baby
Tenngranders will have to charter a plane to gatecrash the celebration party if you clean up on your parlay.
Three down! Yay!
http://www.funny-emoticons.com/smileys/msn-dancing-smileys/disco%20dance.gif
Rafans. Raise your glasses and give three cheers.
A round of sangria for Rafans.
Vamos!
(ed251137 at 8:36 pm),
http://www.funny-emoticons.com/emoticons/msn-smiley-emoticons/cheer-with-you.gif
Now Fed has to come out and play. Good, I can sit back and watch without a care!
I kept thinking to myself, if Rafa can just find a way to get through this match, he’s got a great chance against Gasquet in the semis!
This is just unbelievable!
No one can say Rafa had an easy draw here! But he’s been up to the test!
I was forgetting he plays Gasquet next. Well their h2h is 13-1 and that was a retirement by Rafa back in 2003 on the Challenger circuit.
Rafa keeps to be moving steady, gaining confidence slowly, it would be great if he competes on Sunday, and even greater if he beats Roger. I’m sure Roger would still not like to play Rafa even if Rafa is not in top form!! Vamos, Rafa, one game at a time!
Federer hasnt been great this week either
Cilic mixed some awesome shots hitting the lines with some ridiculous shanks.
Rafa still needs fixing his winners to UEs ratio.
Yes, a few too many UEs, but he says he is trying things out for next season so they may take some bedding in.
Cilic had 49 UE’s! Rafa with 26. He was missing a lot in the first set and a half, but got it together in that third set.
I am still on cloud nine over this victory! 🙂
I am raising my glass and giving Rafa three cheers’
Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray!
Rafa is trying to be more aggressive, so there will be more UE’s. As long as he’s going for his shots and staying closer to the baseline, I can live with the UE’s. He will get that sorted out.
What a week this has been for Rafa! All big serving guys!
Rafa was so happy at the end of that match. He couldn’t contain his joy!
I am just trying to savor this moment. 🙂
Interesting that Annacone thinks Rafa was just average in this match and that it was an accomplishment to beat the #12 player not being at his best. I think he gave Rafa a grade of “C” for this match. I don’t care! I’ll take it because Rafa is going in the right direction.
I haven’t seen one of Rafa’s matches since Wimby this year so this did seem as an average display from him but knowing where he’s coming from it’s a great achievement and Rafa is right in expressing his satisfaction at the end. Well done Rafa
I posted the Paris Masters draw on “The rest” page.
I’m not going to study that just yet – too soon to start worrying about what lies in store next.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSmAL_QWUAAs725.png
??
Rafa!! What a boss.
OOP for Saturday:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CSmDU8ZWcAAkzck.jpg
According to Koenig and he other guy on Sky whose name escapes me, Cilic was a big test for Rafa, bigger than Rosol and Dimi but now that Rafa has beaten Cilic, all of a sudden it’s no big deal to beat world #12.
That’s why Rafa says he doesn’t about what these people have to say about him and his game.
Rafael Nadal vs. Marin Cilic, 2015 Swiss Indoors Basel QF / Highlights
http://rutube.ru/video/4b5cd66024a413240e2ffec14a95d266/
Another version In French:
Rafael Nadal vs. Marin Cilic, 2015 Swiss Indoors Basel QF / Highlights
http://rutube.ru/video/fba07bce6c9ac29bff6a4b195ce1a9b6/
Said with such confidence lol… Do you????
Ricky Dimon says:
October 28, 2015 at 11:31 pm
he wont play Fed
maybe Ricky after all had some inner doubts about Fed reaching finals… 🙂
No, no, Ricky had Federer over Wawrinka in the final.
Like I said before, the more emphatic he is, the more he is just wrong LOL.
Rafa’s post-match press conference / QF Swiss Indoors Basel 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knCnQA9AHlQ
Rafa’s post-match interview with the ATP Staff / QF Swiss Indoors Basel 2015:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/video/nadal-on-track-in-basel
@ nadline,
I sure know what Ricky’s prediction was 🙂 that is why I said his” inner” or I should have stated “hidden” doubts…he seems to constantly refuse to come out with his real feelings about this…he does not want to let Fed dearest down… 🙂
I see what you are saying, however, even if Ricky had inner doubts, he certainly predicted Rafa to go down to Cilic in 2 so as far as Ricky was concerned, Rafa shouldn’t even be in the SF.
that is true…