Cilic edges Querrey in 2 tiebreakers to reach Citi Open QF

The Asian No 1 was eliminated in the quarter finals of the Citi Open last year by Richard Gasquet.

He was beaten in the decider by the Croat, who edged out 13th-seeded Sam Querrey of the United States 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-3) to also reach the quarter-finals in Washington. “The results came out with two comfortable tie-breakers but if one or two things go wrong it could have been pretty tight”.

How close was it? Take away the tiebreakers, and Querrey won more total points, 74-67.

Bencic had won their only previous encounter – on clay in Rome – but Pavlyuchenkova was too strong at the WTA worldwide hard-court event, saving both break points she faced in the 72-minute encounter.

“A little bummed right now. That’s why I could only break him twice”, Nishikori said. “I’ll concentrate on serving well and try to take advantage of my small chances”. The second set tiebreak saw Cilic claim an early lead with this stunning forehand victor. “So it kind of sucks the wind out of you”.

“That pretty much decided the match“, Cilic said.

The Citi Open is a hard court tune-up ahead of the U.S. Open, where Nishikori reached the final previous year.

“Cilic will next face rising 18-year-old Alexander Zverev who became the youngest singles quarterfinalist since Andy Roddick in 2007”.

Among those in men’s action later Thursday: reigning U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic and last year’s runner-up in New York, Kei Nishikori.

Nishikori made only seven unforced errors against Mayer, half as many winners as he produced in the one-hour victory.

Nishikori meets Sam Groth for a berth in the semifinals. Groth delivered 20 aces in a 6-3, 6-4 victory over seventh-seeded Feliciano Lopez.

“I just played my game, focusing on my serve”, Pavlyuchenkova said.

“I’m very confident and I’m feeling really good”, Nishikori said.

“I’m going to have to serve well, make him feel uncomfortable”. I’m going to attack the net. “I was pleased with my aggression”.

Sam Stosur, the second seed, and Monica Niculescu will do battle in the other quarter-final.