Debutant Cilic could face Rodger Federer in finals

Marin Cilic celebrates after beating Keyl Edmund to reach finals [Photo:Courtesy]

A business-like Marin Cilic defused the firepower of Kyle Edmund before crushing the ailing Briton 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2 to reach his first Australian Open final on Thursday.

The sixth-seeded Croatian was relentless under the lights at Rod Laver Arena, unleashing a barrage of 32 winners to end the world number 49’s dream run with a stinging defeat in two hours and 18 minutes.

The victory ensures Cilic will finish the tournament at a career-high ranking of number three, regardless of the result in his third final at a major tournament.

An agitated Edmund took a medical time-out after losing the first set and hobbled through the latter part of the match before surrendering meekly after a massive serve from the rangy Cilic. He lashed heatedly with the chair umpire, who had awarded a point to Cilic after he successfully challenged a fault call. However, his argument that he was hindered by the linesman's call fell on deaf ears despite him pleading for the match referee to be called. Meanwhile, he heads home having proved to tennis and the world at large that he can compete in bigger titles as he also makes it to top 30 for the first time.

Kyle Edmund wanted to join the likes of Andy Murray and John Lloyd as the only British male singles finalists at Melbourne Park in the Open era but looked tired in the body thereby losing to third time grand slam finalist.

Edmund’s victory could have elevated him above injured Andy Murray as number one-ranked British male, but he will still lift his head up high after impressive victories over Bulgarian third seed Grigor Dimitrov and eleventh seed Kevin Anderson.

Former U.S. Open champion Cilic will meet the defending champion Roger Federer or Chung Hyeon for the title.