Kyle Edmund vs Marin Cilic LIVE: British No 2 suffers defeat to end brilliant run at semi-finals
Follow the latest from the Australian Open semi-finals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Kyle Edmund will attempt to reach his first ever Grand Slam final – and become the new British No 1 in the process – when he meets Marin Cilic in Melbourne on Thursday morning with a place in the Australian Open final on the line.
The 23-year-old beat world No 3 Grigor Dimitrov to reach the last four Down Under, having already reached a Grand Slam quarter-final for the first time in his career, and if Edmund can find a way to battle past Cilic and book his place in the final to face either Roger Federer or Hyeon Chung or Roger Federer, he will overtake Andy Murray in the world rankings.
But Cilic will be no walkover, having won the US Open in 2012 and reaching last year’s Wimbledon final, and the world No 6 has five years’ worth of experience more than Edmund that could prove crucial as the Briton ventures into unknown territory.
Follow the live action here...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
Kyle Edmund's Australian Open campaign looks to be coming to an end
Game, set, match! Cilic def. Edmund, 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2
With the scores level at 15-15 Cilic produces an ace and a volley winner to bring up two match points... and he needs just one as he produces an unreturnable serve to move into Sunday's final!
Kyle Edmund's journey in Melbourne has been incredible and he'll have more chances to reach a Grand Slam final - that's for sure - but today he was beaten by the better player on the day.
Post-match reaction from Marin Cilic
On how crucial it was to win the second-set tie-break: "I think in the second set I was a little bit up and down. He started to serve good and release a couple of his forehands. It was a bit difficult but I stayed focused mentally. It was extremely crucial in the tie-break to keep that pressure."
On Edmund's physical struggles during the third set: "I noticed his movement was a little bit restrictive so I tried to move the ball around."
Marin Cilic is into the Australian Open final for the first time
On Edmund's potential: "Hes playing great tennis. He's improved a lot in the last couple of years. He's had a tough run to the semis and it's definitely left some scars on his body. He's definitely got a bright future and we're going to be seeing a lot of him."
On how he's feeling ahead of Sunday's final: "I feel really good. Today was different intensity to the match with Rafa. Overall I'm feeling really good thanks to my fitness coach. Obviously I have two days off before the final so it's going to be a nice one on Sunday."
On the possibility of playing Hyeon Chung in the final: "He's played a few great matches. It's been a great run for him. The court suits him nicely here. He's moving one of the best on the tour. It's amazing to watch him and it's great to see him coming up nicely. The end of last year was great for him winning the Next Gen Finals."
On the possibility of playing Roger Federer in the final: "Roger is always looking to play aggressively. I think if I'm serving well and playing aggressively I can match him with that game. It's difficult if you're always running around and he's controlling the point."
Roger Federer will face Hyeon Chung in the other semi-final
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments