Marin Cilic Has declared himself ‘ready’ to exert revenge over Roger Federer when they meet in the Wimbledon final on Sunday.
The Croat produced 25 aces and 70 winners to booked his place in the final after defeating Sam Querrey in four sets on Friday afternoon. Cilic’s victory continues his run in fine form within recent months. Since April, he has reached the quarter-finals or better in seven out of eight tournaments played.
“It’s great for me to be in the final of a Grand Slam again. Felt that my level of tennis in the last several weeks is really on a high level, and that has given me a lot of consistency with my mindset.” Said Cilic.
Standing in the way of Cilic becoming only the second Croatian winner at Wimbledon after Goran Ivanisevic will be Roger Federer. The Swiss player is yet to drop a set in the tournament, easing past Tomas Berdych in his semifinal match. Overall, Cilic trails their head-to-head 1-6. On the other hand, his sole victory occurred at a grand slam tournament when he got the better of Federer at the 2014 US Open.
Looking ahead to the clash, 28-year-old Cilic believes he is a stronger player. Not necessarily in a physical way, but more in terms of mentality. Ironically, he attributes his improvement to the losses he has suffered on the tour because it has given him ‘a better picture.’
“Over the course of my career, especially the last few years, I felt that I got matured a little bit more in dealing with losses, especially on a big stage, big tournaments. I feel just taking small details out of those matches have helped me to become better.”
One of his most brutal losses occurred 12 months ago at SW19. Facing Federer in the quarter-finals, Cilic failed to convert a trio of match points before crashing out in five sets. Since then, he has won three ATP titles, including his first Masters 1000 trophy in Cincinnati.
Guided by Jonas Bjorkman, there is growing belief from the world No.6 that he could claim his second major title over the weekend. Nevertheless, he is under no illusion of the tough task he faces.
“I believe that if I’m going to be playing him, with my own abilities to get through and to win it.” He explained.
“I still know that it’s a big mountain to climb. Roger is playing maybe one of his best tennis of his career at the moment, having a great season. So I know it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
“But I believe I’m ready.”
When Cilic won the 2014 US Open, he said it ‘opened his mind to so many possibilities for the rest of his career.’ To do it again would open that door even wider, but it won’t be easy against Wimbledon’s most decorated male player.
