WHAT HAPPENED: Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, defeated American John Isner, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6, 6-4, to move into the fourth round of the 2019 US Open. Playing before an overflow, boisterous crowd on the Grandstand, Cilic was able to take advantage of his only two break chances which proved to be the difference in the match. But most astonishing is the fact that Cilic was able to pull out the victory despite serving an astounding 17 double faults.
Isner will likely think about this match for a long time. If one were to look at the stats sheet, it would seem to defy all probability that Isner came out on the losing end: he won more total points, out-served Cilic (delivering an extraordinary 40 aces and only 4 double faults in the four-set match), and struck more winners. But Isner couldn't come up with the goods when it mattered most; on break chances, Isner converted only one of 13 opportunities. Further, Isner had a 6-4 lead, on his serve, in the third set tiebreak. But Cilic came up with two brilliant low volleys to earn back the mini-break. The tiebreak ended with Isner double faulting, and then smashing his racquet to the ground in frustration.
WHAT IT MEANS: With the victory, Cilic earned a fourth-round date with Rafael Nadal, who earlier in the day cruised to victory in his third-round match. Cilic has managed only two victories over Nadal in their eight meetings. One thing is certain: Cilic will need to serve far better against Nadal than he did against Isner.
MATCH POINT: Cilic has now beaten Isner each time they’ve met in Slams, with the two previous encounters (2011 Australian Open and 2015 at Wimbledon) going to extended fifth sets.
