This year could be the last time Marin Cilic plays in the Davis Cup after he revealed his future intentions to reporters over the weekend.
The former US Open champion was instrumental in his country’s 3-1 win over Kazshstan in the quarter-finals of the competition. In total he dropped just eight games in the two singles matches he played against Dmitry Popko and Mikhail Kukushkin. Securing the unassible 3-1 lead on Sunday.
Croatia will next host America in the semifinal tie later this year. They are bidding to win only their second Davis Cup title and first since 2005. Should the country go on to win the title, it could also mark the end of Cilic’s career in the competition. He has hinted at potentially retiring from the team event in the near future.
“If we win the Davis Cup this year, I will dedicate myself from then on exclusively to my singles career. I hope we can do it, it’s a great desire I have,” Cilic told reporters in Varazdin.
Since making his debut in the team event in 2006, Cilic has won 36 out of 52 matches played. In singles competition alone, he has achieved a total of 26 wins. More than any other Croatian player in the history of the event. So far he has played in 23 ties. Another record amongst Croatian players.
Next year could see the Davis Cup being played in a different format. In August a vote will take place concerning a proposal by the ITF to turn the event into a 18-team week-long tournament. The plans have divided the tennis community with some voicing anger about removing home and away ties. Under the new plan, the tournament would be held in one venue that is yet to be confirmed.
“It was time to change something and I like the proposal.” Said Cilic. “The only problem is to stop playing in the countries of the national teams. In financial terms this will have a negative impact on Federations like Croatia, for example.”
It is not the first time the 29-year-old has publicly endorsed the plans. During an interview with The Tennis Podcast in March, Cilic said he believed that the majority of players would back the proposal.
“It will reduce the requirements from 4 weeks to 1. Plus this tournament will be played over best of 3 sets with two singles and one doubles. I don’t think it will be that demanding on players. I think 99.9% of players will want this new system.” He argues.
Cilic has not commented about what he will do in the future if Croatia doesn’t win the Davis Cup this year.
