Some believe that Roger Federer winning the Wimbledon title is a foregone conclusion, but don’t say that to third seed Marin Cilic.
On the opening day of the grand slam, the Croat started his campaign with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4, win over Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka. Cilic, who recently won the Fever-Tree Championships, produced a total of 21 aces and dropped just five points behind his first serve. Hitting 44 winners to 36 unforced errors. It was a strong performance on what was a humid day at The All-England Club. Not that it was of any concern for him.
“I’m dealing all right with the heat because it’s quite dry.” Cilic explained during his press conference. “Usually the points are not too long, so it doesn’t bother me much. I usually like to play in the heat. I’m not sure if it’s one of the hottest but last week was also quite hot. Week before, as well.
“It’s been a really great summer, so I’m enjoying it, and I hope it stays like this.”
The 29-year-old already has experience of what it is like to play in the London heat this month. At The Queen’s Club he saved a match point against Novak Djokovic to win the title. Grabbing his 18th title on the ATP Tour and sending out warnings to his rivals at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
“I think it prepared me extremely well just in terms of my confidence. It’s very high. I played five quality matches over there.” Cilic commented about his run at Queen’s. “I was aware that most of the guys who were playing great at Queen’s were also continuing to play again over here.”
“Even for me last year even though I lost in the final of Queen’s, I felt that I was playing great tennis and that helped me to continue the form here as the season is so short on grass and you have to peak at extremely well.” He added.
A runner-up to Roger Federer in the final last year, Cilic believes the grass is unique compared to that of other surfaces. Not just because of the speed the ball travels, but due to how it affects a player’s mentality. Something the Croat believes is crucial for success at The All England Club.
“It’s not just hitting only your spots and your patterns. It’s more also playing the opponent and playing the mind game what is gonna work at that particular point.” The world No.5 said.
Cilic will next take on either Jason Kubler or Guido Paella. He will not face a seeded player until at least the fourth round. In his section 28th seed Filip Krajinović crashed out to Nicolas Jarry 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, earlier today.
