Beijing, China (My Sportsbook) - Marin Cilic and Novak Djokovic both posted straight set victories in the semifinals at the China Open on Saturday. The eighth-seeded Cilic upset top-seeded Rafael Nadal in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, needing just under 1 1/2 hours to post a victory over the six-time major champion in the first meeting between the two players. The reigning Aussie Open champion Nadal had been a perfect 8-0 lifetime at this event before Sunday's loss, having won the title in 2005. Cilic will now attempt to win his fourth career title -- his third of 2009. His last tournament win came in February in his native Croatia. Cilic's opponent will be the third-seeded Djokovic, who rolled over Robin Soderling, 6-3, 6-3. Djokovic figures to have the advantage in the final, having won all three matches against Cilic in his career, including a 2008 U.S. Open victory in four sets. The two have faced off once in 2009, in Dubai, with Djokovic winning, 6-3, 6-4. A former Australian Open winner, Djokovic is seeking his 14th career title in his 25th final appearance. He's won two titles in 2009, with the last coming in May in Serbia. The 2009 Beijing champion will pocket $500,000. |
