Cilic stunned by Schwartzman

Marin Cilic, the only top 10 player remaining in the bottom half of the US Open draw, has been beaten by Diego Schwartzman in the third round. Cilic, who won the tournament in 2014, lost a tough, tight battle 4-6 7-5 7-5 7-4.

The result means that there will be a new Grand Slam finalist in next Sunday’s title match, with none of the remaining players in the bottom half of the draw ever experiencing a Major final.

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Cilic started the stronger, the single break enough to secure the opener. However, as the Argentine found his range Cilic began to struggle. In a match that saw the Croat hit 80 unforced errors, the pair exchanged multiple breaks in each set before Schwartzman took the win.

“I think all the match was like this: was up and down,” Schwartzman said after the match. “Every time in the third set, as well. I was a break up two times, I think, and then I can close the third set 7-5.”

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“I am a little bit surprised [to be in the fourth round],” Schwartzman continued. “But the last weeks I was playing really well. I did third round in Paris and quarters in Montreal.

“I think my confidence, it’s going up. I think in every match I can win. I am playing well and try to be like this every match.”