honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, January 9, 2010

Tennis: Cilic, Wawrinka to play for Chennai Open title


Associated Press

CHENNAI, India — Defending champion Marin Cilic of Croatia advanced to the Chennai Open final on Saturday, beating fourth-seeded Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia 6-1, 6-3 to gain a matchup against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland.

The third-seeded Swiss defeated fifth-seeded Dudi Sela of Israel 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 in the other semifinal.

"It was a very tough match," Wawrinka said. "Sela comes to the net and pushes you hard. His drop shots upset my rhythm.

"Marin has a very strong baseline game. I'll need to produce my best game in the final."

Cilic was pleased with his play against Tipsarevic, whom he also beat in last year's tournament, in the quarterfinals.

"I was in control of this match," the Croat said. "I won crucial points and I didn't give him too many free points."