LONDON: At the start of the Aegon Championships the three title favourites were Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic. One name left out was former US Open champion Marin Cilic, who continues to play in the shadows of the elite.
Unlike the top three seeds, Cilic remains in the draw at The Queen’s Club. On Thursday he impressed the London crowd with an emphatic 6-0, 6-4, win over 19-year-old Stefan Kozlov. The disparity in experience between the two was noticeable from the onset. Former US Open champion Cilic was targeting his sixth quarter-final in his 11th consecutive year playing at The Queen’s Club. In comparison 19-year-old qualifier Kozlov found himself playing a top 10 player for the first time in his career.
“I approached today as any other day. Especially when you’re in this kind of a tournament, playing on grass and playing a youngster like Kozlov, you have to be ready from the first point.” Said Cilic.
Cilic’s power and speed overwhelmed the American during what was a clinical first set performance from the Croat. During the 24-minute display, he dropped only two points behind his serve as he benefited heavily from Kozlov’s unforced error count.
Producing such an outstanding display, Cilic soon had to contend with the crowd cheering on the underdog. When Kozlov claimed his first game of the match in the second set, a huge roar erupted around centre court. Still, it failed to disrupt the fourth seed and his stronghold in the match. A disastrous Kozlov service game, featuring a quartet of errors, extended his lead to a set and a break. The one-sided triumph was concluded a couple games later when the Croat hit a clean forehand winner on match point.
“I think I played really well. Served extremely good. I think he was struggling a bit with his serve, so didn’t have such a great rhythm.” He reflected afterwards.
A run of good form
As the best players in the world currently struggle to find consistency in their game, Cilic is having more success. This week is the sixth time he has reached the quarterfinals of an ATP tournament since April. Overshadowing Djokovic’s tally of four and Murray’s two within the same period. Still, the Croat continues to play in the shadow of the Big Four (Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer). Some might find the scenario frustrating, but Cilic sees it as an opportunity.
“The media attention is always towards the small part of players, and that’s the way it goes.” The 28-year-old explained.
“For me, I don’t mind that. Just it’s less talking for me, which is good (smiling). I’m still focused on myself to improve.” He later added.
Cilic currently has a losing head-to-head record against every member of the Big Four, but has defeated them all at some point. Asked if that fact he isn’t in the media spotlight compared to his rivals enhances his game, the Croat played down the significance. Instead, it is his own objectives that are pushing him to succeed.
“I’m setting up some goals for myself, some targets with the game where I want to go to, and that’s what’s driving me.”
The individual focus of the Croat has taken him to a win away from returning to his career high of sixth in the world. In order to regain the position he needs to defeat Donald Young on Friday, a player he hasn’t played since 2015.
“I’m pushing myself forward, improving week after week, and hoping that definitely at the end of the year when I’m going to be looking back that I’m going to have a great season.” He concluded.
This week eight top-10 players are participating in tournaments. Cilic is one of only two that is still participating. The other is Roger Federer at the Gerry Weber Open in Halle.