Tennis: Big-serving Cilic powers past German Kohlschreiber

Croatia's Marin Cilic celebrates beating Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber. PHOTO: AFP

LONDON (REUTERS) - Marin Cilic's power game proved far too much for Philipp Kohlschreiber in the Wimbledon first round on Monday (July 3) as the Croatian seventh seed swept his German opponent aside 6-4 6-2 6-3.

After a tight first set which he edged by snatching the only break point, 6ft 6in tall Cilic increasingly dictated terms with his big forehand and booming serve, which bought him a string of cheap points and dug him out of tight corners.

It wasn't all brute force from the back of the court, however, as the 28-year-old showed fine touch to close out the second set with a delicate drop shot and serve-volleyed on several occasions to keep 60th-ranked Kohlschreiber off balance.

For 33-year-old Kohlschreiber, the loss extended a woeful recent record at Wimbledon where he has failed to win a match since 2014 and he has now lost in the first round at the All England Club seven times.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.