Marin Cilic had other ideas surprising Andy Murray to advance to a quarter match versus Juan Martin Del Potro.

There won’t be a repeat of last year’s men’s final. That’s because Marin Cilic took out Andy Murray in grand style stunning the No.2 seed in straights, 7-5, 6-2, 6-2 at Ashe Stadium.

Expected to meet Juan Martin Del Potro in a quarter rematch of last year, the No.2 seed struggled mightily against the up and coming 20 year-old from Croatia. A close first set turned when Murray failed to capitalize on a pair of set points. After Cilic dug out of it, the 22 year-old Scot let down allowing the No.16 seed to break and then close out the set.

From there, it only got worse as Murray was broken twice more in an uncompetitive second set that saw Cilic up the ante while facing no pressure on his serve.

By the time the 2008 finalist was competitive, he was down two sets and a break. But Cilic fought off two more break chances and then broke Murray again before closing it out before a stunned Ashe who expected a much more competitive match.

For Cilic, it’s a breakthrough as he makes his first ever grand slam quarterfinal where he’ll take on tough customer Juan Martin Del Potro, who disposed of veteran Juan Carlos Ferrero in straights 6-3, 6-3, 6-3.

Figure that to be a stiffer challenge. Especially against a guy who’s on the cusp of the top five. Del Potro has been one of the best hardcourt players on the tour making two finals and winning a title last month. So, he should be extremely motivated.

As for Murray, it’s back to the drawing board after a dismal showing on one of his favorite stages. Though his left wrist bothered him, he gave plenty of credit to his opponent who delivered in big spots.

For more on this match, please check out our full recap over at the new Tennis Ledger site.

Later on, No.7 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga battles No.11 Fernando Gonzalez for a spot in the quarters while Rafael Nadal faces French energizer bunny No.13 Gael Monfils over at Ashe tonight.

On the women’s side, Kim Clijsters continued her impressive run making the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-4 win over China’s Na Li (18). The former 2005 champion had too much for Li becoming the first ever wildcard into the final four.

It wasn’t flawless as she got tight midway through the second spraying a few balls, allowing Li to break back for three all. But the two-time quarterfinalist couldn’t keep the momentum allowing Clijsters to get it back. A few games later, it was all over with the popular 26 year-old Belgian earning her place into the semis where she’ll await the winner of tonight’s match-up between defending champ Serena Williams (2) and 10th seeded Italian Flavia Pennetta.

“I’m surprised to be sitting here talking to you right now,” the pleased Clijsters expressed as she attempts to become the first mother to win a slam since Evonne Goolagang Cawley in 1980. She took two years off to start a family with former Villanova hoops star Brian Lynch and is mother to 18-month old Jada who has watched Mom in the stands.

That’s gotta be quite an impression on her child. What a great story.