|
 The 26-year-old Croatian proved too strong for the experienced
Spaniard, ranked 21st in the world, who was making his second
appearance at the Kremlin Cup after a 12-year hiatus.
World number eight Cilic hit 10 aces and converted four break points
on his way to a victory that kept him on course for his fifth final
of the year.
"Today's performance was at a higher level than yesterday - my
movement was better, as were my ground shots and especially my
serve," Cilic told reporters.
"I was hoping to play better because Robredo is very difficult
opponent, dangerous from the back of the court. We had to play games
much longer than I expected. I`m really happy I could win in two
sets."
The tournament favorite will now face 26-year-old Kazakh Mikhail
Kukushkin in the semi-finals.
"I saw his match with Mikhail Youzhny and Kukushkin showed high
quality," Cilic said.
"He is the kind of the player that likes to be aggressive. It`s
going to be different match than todays, but I have to keep my level
and control the game better than him."
Over a decade ago, Robredo
did not enjoy the happiest of times in Moscow, crashing out to Paul
Henri Mathieu. He would endure similar misfortune this time around.
The US Open winner hit ten aces and converted five break points on
his way to victory and now is looking to reach his fifth final of
the year.
[to top of second column] |
"I think today's performance was at a higher level than yesterday -
my movement was better, as were my ground shots and especially my
serve", said Cilic.
"I was hoping to play better, because Robredo is very difficult
opponent, dangerous from the back of the court. We had to play games
much longer than I expected. I`m really happy I could win in two
sets."
The main favorite to win the Kremlin Cup will now face 26 year-old
Kazakh Mikhail Kukushkin in the semi-finals.
"I saw his today`s match with Mikhail Youzhny, and Kukushkin showed
high quality. He is the kind of the player that like to be
aggressive. It`s going to be different match than todays, but I have
to keep my level and control the game better than him," Cilic
concluded.
(Reporting By Dmitriy Rogovitskiy)
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