ATP Madrid: Marin Cilic withdraws to send Novak Djokovic into the semis
World no. 1 Novak Djokovic is through to the 64th Masters 1000 semi-final and the sixth in Madrid thanks to withdrawal from Marin Cilic who had to deal with a food poisoning during the night. Marin and Novak were supposed to play the first match of the day on Manolo Santana Stadium but we will have to wait a little bit for their 20th meeting on the Tour, with Novak currently leading 17-2! Dealing with a knee injury, the Croat had a rough first four months of the season, heading to Madrid with just ten matches played and only four wins, three of those at the Australian Open where he lost in the fourth round after playing in the final 12 months ago.
Marin was beaten in the opening match in Dubai, Miami, Monte Carlo and Budapest, seeking necessary wins and confidence here in Madrid. He grabbed three of those for the first time since Melbourne but it was anything but easy, saving multiple match points in the opening round against Martin Klizan before prevailing against Jan-Lennard Struff and Laslo Djere to set Novak clash that will not happen. Djokovic will now have a day off before the semi-final clash against Dominic Thiem or Roger Federer, moving into the third semi-final of the season and the first since Melbourne, losing early at Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.
"Dear fans, organizers and Novak, I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from today's match. I have had a terrible night dealing with a case of food poisoning. I am extremely disappointed to have my time in Madrid end in this way. Thank you for the support."
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2LBO0pq
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