Marin Cilic Celebrates in Beijing (Getty Images)
With his impressive 6-1, 6-3 blowout of Rafael Nadal in the semifinals of the China Open, Marin Cilic, who I predicted could make a run in the tourney, has found himself in the final against Novak Djokovic.
Cilic, who won two events earlier in the spring, has had an up and down year but had suddenly found his game and confidence, especially against the very elite players. This was the same guy who was down two sets to love against Jesse Levine in the second round of the U.S. Open, but then pulled that out in five sets and then went on to thump a lazy Andy Murray in the next round.
Cilic has always had the big game, but like Juan Martin Del Potro, it is more about confidence and belief. If Cilic can continue this, he could definitely find himself in the top ten or even top five by next year.
As for Nadal he can look forward to Shanghai and London to perhaps salvage his year. Strange to be saying that after he started the year winning Australia and cementing the number one ranking.
Adjusting the Net 
I dont think hes gonna be the delpo of 2010 cos that makes delpo’s 2009 seem… sorta… easy or doable. when it was amazing (big delpo fan here). but I do think he is a awesome player and def gonna be around for the future. He is doing things nicely, climbing up the ranks slowly and beating some big names. I think he will be top 10 next yr, I rate him above Verdasco in terms of talent and durability. And I do really like him.
Also… in response to another of ur posts, yeah those Beijing trophies were massive. BUT over in Tokyo, Misha’s next to Tsonga’s was SO SMALL it was hilerious