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Cilic into Australian Open semi-final after Rafael Nadal retires injured

By Mutala Yakubu
Rafael Nadal retires from Tennis after been eliminated in the on going Australian Open
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Marin Cilic booked a semi-final meeting in the Australian Open against Britain's Kyle Edmund after world No 1 Rafael Nadal was forced to retire injured early in the fifth set of a gruelling encounter.

The Spaniard, chasing a first Australian Open title since 2009, was forced to take a medical timeout midway through the fourth set after falling a break behind.

Cilic, who had matched the 16-time Grand Slam champion all the way, sensed his opportunity to force a decider and despite the obvious discomfort, Nadal began the fifth set only to be broken in his opening service game before bringing an end to the match, trailing 2-0 in the deciding set.

Marin Cilic last reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in 2010

The Croatian world No 6 won 3-6 6-3 6-7(5) 6-2 6-0 in three hours and 47 minutes on Rod Laver Arena to reach only his second semi-final at Melbourne Park.

Read also:Video: What Man United fans should expect from Alexis Sánchez

It was only the second time in 264 Grand Slam matches Nadal has retired - the last being against Briton Andy Murray in the quarter-finals of the 2010 Australian Open.

Source:Skysports