Cilic dominates Berdych to reach semis

ByReuters

Updated 04/09/2014 at 21:36 GMT

Big-hitting Marin Cilic blasted his way past sixth seed Tomas Berdych 6-2 6-4 7-6 (4) and into the US Open semi-finals on Thursday.

Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates his win over Tomas Berdych at the US Open (Reuters)

Image credit: Reuters

Cilic, who pounded out 19 aces, had his Czech opponent under pressure right from the start, breaking Berdych at the first opportunity in the first two sets to grab a 2-0 lead.

Berdych turned the tables on the 14th-seeded Croatian in the third and raced out to a 3-0 lead but Cilic, relying on his booming serve, broke back and forced a tiebreak before clinching the match with a thundering ace and forehand winner on the final two points.

Up next for Cilic is the winner between five-times U.S. Open champion Roger Federer and Frenchman Gael Monfils, who play later on Thursday.

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