Only two former slam champions remain in the Wimbledon men’s draw, as Marin Cilic will go up against Sam Querrey, the first American man in a Grand Slam semifinal since 2009, and Roger Federer will look to extend his legendary status at Wimbledon against Tomas Berdych, the 2010 Wimbledon finalist. Steen Kirby, Yesh Ginsburg, and Brett Margolies offer their previews, with predictions.
Marin Cilic vs. Sam Querrey
Steen: Cilic has beaten Querrey three times on grass, and has a 4-0 record overall against the American. This is Querrey’s best ever result in a slam, and he just beat the world #1 and defending champion Murray in 5 sets. That said, he should be tired, and Cilic has been a buzzsaw this tournament, given the similar gamestyle, Cilic should nab the win, likely via tiebreaks. Cilic in 4
Yesh: Sam Querrey is having the tournament of his life, and finally looks to be utilizing his talent after years of American fans waiting. Cilic has more power, but Querrey actually has a better game on the grass. He hasn’t shown any strain from playing multiple five-setters, and his win over Murray was less strenuous than the win over Kevin Anderson. Querrey might actually be fresher for this match. As long as he can keep any nerves in check, he should be able to win this match. Querrey in 4
Brett: It’s hard to believe that one of these two players will be taking center stage on Sunday for a chance to hold the trophy as Wimbledon champion. Marin Cilic has just looked so impressive these past couple weeks and was finally tested today against Gilles Muller in a five set win. Querrey on the other hand isn’t making it easy on himself with all the five setters but has come up with his best tennis when needed to. These two have played each other four times total, with three of their meetings taking place on grass. Cilic has owned the head to head up until now, but Sam Querrey is just playing at a level we’ve never seen from him and I don’t think that stops on Friday. Querrey in 4
Roger Federer vs. Tomas Berdych
Steen: Federer has won seven straight vs Berdych, the end of the tunnel is in sight for Fed at this point and he’s been dominant this tournament. Berdych has had an amazing run that should be the basis for him staying in the top 10 for the rest of the year, but Federer should be too good. Federer in 3
Yesh: Federer has been amazing this season, but Berdych at his best has always been able to hit Federer off the court. Berdych has been at his best this tournament, and will be looking to return to the Wimbledon final for the first time since 2010. Berdych in 4
Brett: There was a time where whenever you saw Berdych’s name next to Federer’s in the draw you always thought there was a chance for an upset. In 2010, he defeated Federer in Miami, and at Wimbledon, and in 2012 he took out Federer in the quarterfinals of the US Open. Order has been restored and Federer has defeated Berdych 7 times in a row now. I think the quick courts do help Berdych’s case to pull off the upset, but just can’t see him doing it given how well Federer has played up till this point. Federer in 3
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