Marin Cilic is hoping that his recent run at the Wimbledon Championships will spark a surge in his form on the tour.
The 27-year-old was on the verge of reaching his third grand slam semifinal when he was leading Roger Federer by two sets during their quarter-final encounter at Wimbledon. Cilic had three match-point chances to grab the milestone win, but failed to convert as the Swiss player battled back to win the match during a five-set thriller. Coming so close to the victory was heartbreaking for the Croatian No.1, however, he is focusing on the positives from his latest Wimbledon experience.
“Looking back, it was a great result for me at Wimbledon,” he told Croatian site Revija-Tenis.com.
“I’m very pleased with the fact that I showed really good form in the match against Federer. Unfortunately, I was so close to go through and get a chance for an even better run, but it is how it is.”
Since his shock triumph at the US Open in 2014, Cilic has only won two titles on the tour (both in Moscow). Nevertheless, this year has already seen signs of the 27-year-old regaining consistency in his game after reaching the final at tournaments in Marseille and Geneva. Now fresh in confidence following with his recent performance at the grass-court major, Cilic feels that he is on the right road to once again get some ‘big results’ in his career.
“I see it as my big step forward and I’m really happy that I played at such a high level at one of the biggest tennis tournaments. I will definitely try to keep that form and rhythm throughout the rest of the season, and big results will come eventually.” The former US Open champion said.
The next task for Cilic will be this weekend’s Davis Cup tie against America. The two countries will clash at the Tualatin Hills Tennis Center in Portland, USA. A win for Croatia will take them to their first semifinal in the event since 2009. Facing fast-servers John Isner and Jack Sock, as well as the Bryan brothers, Cilic believes his country has the ability to make it to the last four of the competition.
“I expect that we can pass the Americans, even though, from my perspective, they are among the most difficult opponents in the draw.” Cilic said.
“We are ready and motivated.” He added.
After the Davis Cup Cilic will return to the tour at the Toronto Masters. He will be bidding to reach the quarter-finals at the event for the first time since 2008.
