Australian Open 2018: Rafa Nadal retires injured to hand Marin Cilic semi-final clash with Kyle Edmund
Injury wrecked Cilic’s Wimbledon final against Roger Federer but he was beneficiary as poor Nadal quit early in fifth set
MARIN CILIC ousted crocked Rafael Nadal in a grim reversal of fortune.
Injury had wrecked Cilic’s Wimbledon final against Roger Federer but this time he was the beneficiary as poor Nadal quit early in the fifth set.
The world No 1 was twice in pole position, leading by a set and a break and then by two sets to one after claiming a tense third-set tiebreak.
But Nadal’s body ran out of gas in the fourth set, when he received treatment for an apparent hip problem
The 16-time Grand Slam champion did his best to resist, but Cilic ruthlessly took advantage of the situation.
And when the pain became too much, with Cilic a break ahead in the decider, Nadal gave up.
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It leaves the Croatian to play Britain’s Kyle Edmund in Thursday’s semi-final.
Nadal saved five break points in the second game, but not a sixth and he had had enough.
He shook hands with Cilic and the umpire then left the Rod Laver Arena to huge, sympathetic cheers.
Cilic said: "“It was an unbelievable performance from both of us. It’s really unfortunate for Rafa. He’s an unbelievable competitor, always gives his best.
“When you’re wounded, sometimes the balls are going in, so I was really paying attention to the first couple of games. It was absolutely important for me to continue with my intensity.”
Cilic and Edmund have played once before, with the Croatian winning in straight sets in Shanghai last October.
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“He’s had an amazing run,” said Cilic. “A few five setters, tough battles, and then a great match today. Big congratulations to him for making the semi-finals. Kyle is also a big hitter, big serve, big forehand, so I have to take care of my side of the court.”