Cilic to face Nalbandian in Queen's final

Former Wimbledon runner-up David Nalbandian will face Croatia's Marin Cilic in the final at Queen's Club after defeating Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals on Saturday. Nalbandian reached the Wimbledon final in 2002 before losing to Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and 10 years later he is back in the final of a grass-court event for the first time since that memorable run at the All England Club. The 30-year-old Argentine, seeded 10th, drew on his vast experience to subdue rising star Dimitrov and complete a remarkable run of three wins in 48 hours. After rain caused a fixture pile-up on Friday, Nalbandian showed impressive durability to come from a set down to win against Edouard Roger-Vasselin and then Xavier Malisse. Despite such a gruelling schedule, Nalbandian showed no signs of tiredness against Dimitrov and his reward is a first appearance in the Queen's final and his first ATP Tour final since Auckland in January 2011. "I'm very happy. I've played this tournament quite a few times and I never reached the final, so I'm happy to be on court tomorrow (Sunday)," Nalbandian said. "It's a long time since I made a final on grass but I don't go to the computer and see how long it is, so I don't really care. "Marin is a tough player but I'm in good shape so let's see what happens." Dimitrov was broken three times in the first set as Nalbandian took advantage of the 21-year-old's jitters in his first ATP semi-final to open up a one-set lead. Nalbandian looked on course for an easy win when he broke in the third game of the second set. Faced with a lacklustre exit, Dimitrov finally began to play with some freedom and he unfurled a trio of sumptuous winners to break back in the sixth game. But Nalbandian had too much experience for Dimitrov and moved him cleverly out of position to break for a 5-4 lead before serving out the match. Earlier, Cilic beat former champion Sam Querrey 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the other semi-final to become the first Croat to reach the Queen's final since Ivo Karlovic in 2005. After missing the first seven weeks of the season with a knee injury, Cilic has gradually rediscovered his form and his shot-making ability eventually wore down Querrey. "It was very difficult," Cilic said. "Especially in that third game having to save eight or nine break points, and then struggling a little bit with the rhythm and with the nerves. "In the past I have found it hard to get used to the grass but this year I came a little bit earlier, had enough time on grass, and I was hitting the ball well. "It's definitely a great week for me and great preparation for Wimbledon." Sixth seed Cilic was soon under pressure in windy conditions, but he showed remarkable resolve to fend off nine break points in an epic third game that lasted 20 minutes. Querrey, who needed treatment on his right thumb midway through the first set, initially seemed shell-shocked by his failure to convert so many break opportunities. He struggled to find any rhythm and a tame forehand from the American on the first of three break points handed Cilic the chance to serve out the set. Querrey finally recovered his equilibrium and took the second set. But Cilic had too much firepower to be kept at bay for long and he broke twice in the final set to seal the win.