CHENNAI: By most standards, Marin Cilic enjoyed a fine 2016. He won two titles beating top-5 opponents in the finals — World No 2 Andy Murray in Cincinnati and No 5 Kei Nishikori in Basel. He even ended the season ranked No 6, a career high. It’s not something one grumbles about.
However, two titanic losses in key events will be etched in his memory for quite some time — the Wimbledon quarterfinal against Roger Federer and the fourth rubber of the Davis Cup Final versus Juan Martin del Potro. He held 2-0 leads in both, only to see the stars stage heroic comebacks. Such events either spur on or break a player’s spirit, but Cilic, the 2014 US Open winner, falls in the first category.
Even so, he needs to build confidence ahead of launching an assault on the elite next year. That’s why, Cilic is hoping for an auspicious start at the 2017 Chennai Open, where he’s making an appearance after a four-year gap. He feels the humid and heavy conditions help his game.
“My first trip to Chennai, in 2007, ended in the qualifying rounds, but I won the trophy in 2009 and 2010. These are beautiful memories for me and I hope to continue my great run. It’s important after the offseason to get a few rounds in, just to get your rhythm in match play. Since conditions at the Australian Open are heavy and humid, playing here is helpful,” Cilic said.
After the Wimbledon loss, he split with coach Goran Ivanisevic, eventually hiring World No 4 Jonas Bjorkman. What does the Swede bring to his game that the 2001 Wimbledon champion couldn’t anymore?
“Goran ironed out the kinks in my service motion and helped me play aggressively. With Jonas, a few things are different — the understanding of the game and how I approach the net. But reaching the ATP Finals and top 8 shows how much I have improved in a short space of time.”
Cilic first finished within the top 10 two years back, on the back of his Open victory. But the overall level of the sport keeps rising every season, so being just behind the top 5 carries a significant amount of heft. The Croat’s favourite Indian singles player happens to be Yuki Bhambri.
“I’ve known Yuki for several years. He also came to the Bob Brett Tennis Academy in San Remo, Italy, when I was practising there. I have been following his rise, so I’m quite impressed with his game,” Cilic added.
He established the Marin Cilic Foundation this year with special emphasis on giving youth in Croatia improved access to school and university education. In a sport where individual goals are celebrated, how important is it to give back to the community?
“That was my long-time wish. When I started my career, I watched a lot of players like Roger, Rafa (Nadal) and Novak (Djokovic) open foundations. Andy has done a lot of charity work too. And maybe going through a tougher path than others and coming from a religious city, it just gives me pleasure to be in the position to help others with my achievements and other things.”