LONDON: Former US Open champion Marin Cilic believes the current schedule of the grass-court swing of the tour doesn’t need adjusting despite its short spell.
Cilic, who is the top seed at this year’s Fever-Tree Championships, believes the six-week stint on the green surface is sufficient enough. Last year the Croat finished runner-up at both Queen’s and Wimbledon.
Critics argue that the period is unfair compared to other surfaces. For instance, the clay swing takes place over a total of 12 weeks on the ATP Tour. In recent years a week has been added to the grass swing in order to aid players preparations between the French Open and Wimbledon.
“They (the ATP) have extended it already for a week, and it’s difficult also to put new weeks because not many places around the world they know how to deal with grass. In England, we are so spoiled with grass courts, and the grass courts are incredible to play on.” Said Cilic.
“I think the season is quite okay for the grass. I think it just gives enough time for everybody to play and then to get ready for Wimbledon, as well.”
Since the introduction of the Masters 1000 series back in 2009, the is yet to be an event played on grass. Mainly due to the short time period between the second and third major. Toni Nadal, who is the former coach of world No.2 Rafael Nadal, said in 2016 that there should be Masters event on the grass. On the other hand, Cilic has a more measured response
“We have these two 500s that are great tournaments, Queen’s and Halle, (where) most of the guys are playing. I think it’s fairly spread. Here (in Queen’s) we have 10, 15, maybe even more guys that were in top 10 certain stages of their career, and in Halle, as well.” Said Cilic.
“Both fields are great. I think for the crowd, it’s nice to have, as well, two options. I think it’s okay.”
Cilic kick-started his campaign on the grass earlier today with a 6-3, 6-4, win over Fernando Verdasco. Securing his 23rd victory on the tour this season and a showdown against Gilles Muller, who defeated Denis Shapovalov.
“I lost to him a few times already, and that just pushed me to be ready from the first point. I got into the match really well. I served well straight-away from the beginning.” He commented about his opening win.
“It wasn’t easy. The wind was blowing from one end to another and then was changing a bit and managed to get that break. Served out the first set.”
This year the Croat is bidding to win the tournament for the second time in his career and the first since 2012.
