Cilic: 'Roger Federer will perfectly use the break like he has always done'

Among the players capable of winning a Slam outside the Big 3 is Marin Cilic, author of a memorable tournament at the 2014 US Open under the guidance of Goran Ivanisevic. The Croatian giant reached two more Slam finals, in Wimbledon in 2017 and at the Australian Open the following year, but had to bow to Roger Federer in both circumstances. Numerous insiders are convinced that the Swiss is the most damaged by the suspension of the circuit for the pandemic, given that Roger will blow out 39 candles next August.

“When it comes to Roger, he will certainly perfectly use the break like he has always done,” Cilic told Croatian newspaper Jutarnji. “I have personally seen how fascinating he and [Rafael] Nadal look on the court after making a comeback. Let’s recall how many injuries has Nadal had and whenever he makes a comeback – they rarely loses to a player he isn’t supposed to lose and who isn’t his rival, Federer especially.

Throughout his career, he has been often taking breaks of two months or more and he would always return in a much better form. I don’t think he is done. Maybe his desire will be even bigger after a four or five month break.”

Federer and Cilic have played 10 times, with Federer leading 9–1. Cilic's only victory came in the 2014 US Open semifinals, after which he went on to win the Grand Slam title. Their first encounter was in the 3rd round in the 2008 Paris Masters, which Federer won in straight sets.

They have played five Grand Slam matches, two in Wimbledon, two in the US Open, and one at the 2018 Australian Open; Federer leads these matches 4–1. Two of these have been Grand Slam finals – the 2017 Wimbledon final, which Federer won in straight sets, and the 2018 Australian Open final, which Federer won in five sets.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2Y3jpWv