I am ready to defeat Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic - Cilic
Marin Cilic's holidays ended. The Croatian player was in Maldives with his wife Kristina until last week, then they flew to Italy as Marin had a photoshoot with Capri Watch brand on Saturday and Cilic is now back to practice in Monte Carlo. The world No. 7 is having a very short off-season as he played his last match of the year on November 25 against Lucas Pouille, which gave Croatia its second Davis Cup title ever. The Italian newspaper Leggo asked Cilic if 2019 will mark his breakthrough at the highest ranking positions, even overcoming the Big 3: Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. 'I dream it and I believe it. I am ready. I am 30 years old and I am at my best, but I can still improve. They are so great but there is a slim gap for me to reach them', said Cilic.
Winning Grand Slams is the key. 'I did it and then I reached two finals. I can do it again', he assured.
This year Cilic reached the Rome Open semifinals losing an amazing match against Alexander Zverev. 'Of course, it's my goal. Next year I will play the Rome tournament and I want to win it. Why not? I can do it, I already came close to it; I am afraid of nobody.'
Commenting on the younger players potential, Cilic added: 'Talents will become even stronger. I only mention a name, my young teammate Borna Coric, who is 22 years old. In just one year he can become the best in the world. And now he is already 12th.'
Commenting on the Italian tennis, Cilic added: '(Fabio) Fognini is very strong and he will not drop; I have so much respect for him. And then there is (Marco) Cecchinato who on clay is amazing and he will repeat himself. Matteo Berrettini has a great body and serve. Trust him: he will improve a lot.'
Cilic will start his new season at the Mahasastra Open in Pune which begins on December 31.
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from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2RQmzqz
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