MELBOURNE, Jan. 25 -- The dream run of 23-year-old British talent Kyle Edmund at the Australian Open has come to an end on Thursday, after going down in straight sets to world number six Marin Cilic 6-2, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2.
Despite overcoming some big names like Andreas Seppi and Grigor Dimitrov earlier in the tournament, Edmund seemed flustered in his first Grand Slam semi final appearance as Cilic showed his experience and dictated play from the top of the baseline.
"I'm quite happy with the performance," Cilic told Xinhua.
"I moved the ball around well and I found my way into the match."
The U.S. Open champion won a double tie break in the opening set and continued to heap pressure on the youngster with his powerful serve.
"Playing in a semi final when there is a lot at stake and not losing a serve during the match is obviously big," Cilic said.
In the second, Edmund showed more fight and was able to bring the set to a tie break.
But the shot selection and power of the hard hitting Croatian was too much for the Brit to handle.
"The second set was relying on the serve and first shot," Cilic said.
"Luckily I played a great tie breaker, I was really focused to win every single point."
Down two sets, Cilic broke Edmund's serve twice in the third and swiftly closed the match out.
"He always serves very well," a disappointed Edmund said.
"He gets good power and he is a tall guy, but it's not like I haven't played good servers, it's about picking moments and reading the ball toss."
Cilic will now play the winner of Friday's match between Roger Federer and Hyeon Chung in the Australian Open final. Enditem