Marin Cilic has confirmed that has hired former world No.4 Jonas Bjorkman as his new coach.
The former US Open champion has been without a mentor since July after ending his partnership with Goran Ivanisevic, who guided him to the US Open title in 2014. Cilic’s recruitment of Bjorkman comes as he prepares for the upcoming US Open, where he will have a lot of points to defend after reaching the semifinals last year. Confirming the partnership in an exclusive video uploaded on the MyATP website, the Croat spoke fondly about his new Swedish coach.
“I’m really looking forward to our work together.” He said.
“I known Jonas for many years and even practiced together with him when he was on the tour. He is one of the nicest guys on the tour and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Bjorkman is no stranger to coaching on the ATP Tour. Last year he also worked with Andy Murray as his assistant coach and filled in as his primary coach when Amelie Mauresmo was on maternity leave. Bjorkman ended his collaboration with Murray in December when Mauresmo returned.
Looking ahead to the next stage of his coaching career, the former world No.1 doubles player spoke enthusiastically about his new job.
“I’m very excited to start working with Marin.” Bjorkman said. “We have known each other for many years since I was active (on the tour).”
“I want to come in and support him and hopefully get him to achieve his goals and dreams.” He added.
Cilic is currently ranked 14th in the world. Yet to win a title this season, the 27-year-old has reached the final at tournaments in Marseille and Geneva. At the Wimbledon Championships he almost defeated Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, but lost in a five-set marathon.
The Croat is currently playing in this week’s Cincinnati Masters. In the first round he defeated Serbia’s Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-4, to set up a second round showdown with Spanish wild card Fernando Verdasco.
