'Roger Federer's movement and sharpness are incredible,' says Marin Cilic

Over two decades after making his professional debut, Roger Federer is still among the world's best players thanks to his results from 2019 and the last year's Australian Open. The Swiss underwent two knee surgeries in February and May last year, playing only one tournament in Melbourne and skipping the rest of the year for his most extended break in a career. Roger started to practice in October and moved to Dubai in December, doing his best to get back at 100% and compete at the Australian Open. Losing that race and not willing to spend a couple of weeks in quarantine without his family, Roger skipped the season's first Major for the first time since 1999 and remained on the practice court ahead of the long-awaited return.

The Swiss star should compete in Doha in two weeks, choosing a smaller event for his first comeback stop and hoping to regain the form by the summer and his beloved Wimbledon. Praising Federer, Marin Cilic spoke about his incredible speed, fast shots, massive serve and forehand and that notable change of pace that makes Federer a unique figure on the Tour. Roger will need each of those elements to get back on track and fight for significant titles again, turning 40 in August and not competing for 13 months.  

Marin Cilic spoke about Roger Federer and his unique style.

"I would say, for example, Rafa and Novak are pretty similar in their intensity. They play every single point like it's a match point. Roger is more focused on changing pace and speed, relying a lot on a fast game, great serve, great forehand, you know, just mixing up the game and playing aggressive tennis. Roger's movement and sharpness are incredible. Novak and Rafa are the best in tennis that creates pressure. For example, if you watched the Australian Open final against Medvedev. Novak put pressure on Daniil from the first point, and it's a constant one. You are always feeling like he's pushing you. When you Major matches against them, you have to follow their pace for four or five hours. Alongside their abilities, that's the crucial element why they are so successful at Majors," says Marin Cilic.

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