2016 Swiss Indoors Basel Final — [3] Kei Nishikori vs. [4] Marin Cilic

[nowhereman]

Didn't see a thread yet, so here it is. First Swiss Indoors final since 2005 without a Swiss man participating. Kei is already qualified, but Marin has a chance here to score some big points for the WTF. Who is the champion?

 

[Emperor of Belgrade]

Would love to see Kei win as he hasn't won a title in a while but I'd also prefer Cilic over Berdych at WTF...

Going for fedr.

 

[Krish872007]

Would love to see Kei win as he hasn't won a title in a while but I'd also prefer Cilic over Berdych at WTF...

Going for fedr.

Cilic is about to save tennis.

 

[Gytha]

Would love to see Kei win as he hasn't won a title in a while but I'd also prefer Cilic over Berdych at WTF...

Going for fedr.

100% what I was about to post.

Sorry Kei, but Cilic has a job to do

 

[Emperor of Belgrade]

Cilic is about to save tennis.

Pity we can't have both Berdych and Goffin at WTF...

 

[stringertom]

Don't know if we can have five matches in a row without Ninjurkori reappearing...Cilic in 2.5.

 

[tipsa...don'tlikehim!]

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Watch 1.26 how Kei saved the 1st MP against him
Actually both players were in real trouble, against two players playing a similar game.

 

[Meles]

Pity we can't have both Berdych and Goffin at WTF...

 

[Meles]

.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Watch 1.26 how Kei saved the 1st MP against him
Actually both players were in real trouble, against two players playing a similar game.

Yes, but this point from Kei is better. 5:50.

 

[Meles]

Cilic on a WTF mission wins this in 3.

 

[VamosBamos987]

Few points:

Nishikori-Cilic head to head: 7-4
If Kei wins 27-30% of 1st serve return and 60+% of 2nd serve points he wins in two tight sets.
If Cilic serves 60-65%+ and Nishikori has a subpar or very average return day he wins in two tight sets or easy third set
Cilic's recent first serve percentage is sub 56%, Kei's returning well recently bar Muller match-- if both are at average level, Kei wins in tight two

Good chance that Kei wins.

 

[TrustTheNinja]

Players warming up. I am going with Kei in 3

 

[Pagoo]

Come on Kei!

 

[nowhereman]

Cilic looking good to start. Chance to break at 2-1.

 

[nowhereman]

Cilic converts on the second one. Early break to go up 3-1.

 

[nowhereman]

Cilic up 4-1 now.

 

[Steve0904]

A Cilic win would do nicely here. Make Berdych's job to qualify a bit tougher.

 

[Meles]

A Cilic win would do nicely here. Make Berdych's job to qualify a bit tougher.

Cilic is already in the points leading making this final. Winning Basel is like all but the last nail in the Berdy coffin. Berdy has dumped out in his first match of the last three tournaments.

US Open rematch and Ninja not tired today?

 

[nowhereman]

Excellent pass. Cilic firing on all cylinders today. Double break up 5-1.

 

[cc0509]

Excellent stuff from Cilic. Nice and aggressive.

 

[I Am Finnish]

This court is perfect for cilic

 

[nowhereman]

Lucky netcord there for Nishi. Cilic still two points away from the set, though.

 

[cc0509]

Breadstick!

 

[nowhereman]

First set to Marin, 6-1 in only 25 minutes.

 

[nowhereman]

12 winners to just 3 UFE from Cilic. Very impressive stuff.

 

[Sysyphus]

Marin clearly possessed by the wraith of the arrogant one on these Basel courts.

 

[TennisFollower]

Cilic is goating at the moment, just like USO 2014. If Kei loses this title I think it will hurt him considering that for all his excellent performance and general consistency the best he's got to show as an outright tournament win is ATP 250 Memphis with the guitar trophy....and he's already got about 3 of those.

 

[Meles]

This court is perfect for cilic

Its altitude which lowers air density (heat does the same thing). The ball moves faster through the air and slice works better.

Based on his US Open history I'd say Nishikori likes faster conditions, but this looks brutal. Bercy will be slow because Paris is close to sea level.

 

[nowhereman]

BP already for Marin.

 

[Meles]

Ninja got pluck. Ace!

 

[TrustTheNinja]

Kei literally having to hit aces to stay in the match.

 

[nowhereman]

Marin just firing winners all over the place. Another BP.

 

[Meles]

3 beautiful BP saves.

 

[nowhereman]

Nice stealthy dropper by the Ninja. Three BPs saved.

 

[Meles]

Momentum changing hold?

 

[nowhereman]

Nishi finally holds.

 

[TrustTheNinja]

Momentum changing hold?

It sure feels that way but seems like USO2014 Cilic has shown up

 

[nowhereman]

Easy love hold for Marin. Kei, meanwhile, really struggling on his service games.

 

[Meles]

It sure feels that way but seems like USO2014 Cilic has shown up

TrustTheNinja; Kei will fight.

 

[Meles]

0-15...

 

[Meles]

Cilic dropping the Ninja.

 

[nowhereman]

Marin too strong on serve. 2 all.

 

[Meles]

Sock won the doubles.

Dat volley!

 

[nowhereman]

What a drop volley. Sublime touch from the Ninja.

 

[Meles]

Payback dropper. 40-0

 

[Meles]

Nice rally. Nishikori feeling it.

 

[nowhereman]

Nice hold from Kei.

 

[nowhereman]

Cilic's serve just so tough to handle. 3 all.

 

[nowhereman]

BH DTL. Well played by Marin.

 

[nowhereman]

BP Cilic.