MARIN Cilic has revealed he was taken by surprise by the Australian Open’s decision to close the roof for the men’s final — a move condemned by former grand slam champions such as Pat Cash.
Determined not to apportion blame for a harrowing five-set loss to Roger Federer to the changed conditions, Cilic said it was “very difficult” to adapt.
“Throughout the tournament I played all my matches outdoors, also preparing a hot day, 38 degrees.” he said.
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“Then first match for the final to play with the roof closed, it’s difficult.
“I have to say that decision could it have been different.
“I think that it was just little bit difficult to adjust, especially the beginning of the match. With the roof closed, it was way, way cooler than I expected.
“That was very, very difficult, especially for the final to, you know, be in that kind of a situation.”
Cilic claimed officials didn’t ask him for his views on whether the final should be decided indoors despite the Open being an outdoor event.
“Well, no, they didn’t ask me. They just came to me to tell me that they are thinking about decision, and they going to make the final decision just around 7pm, just slightly before the match,” he said.
“I didn’t mind to have roof closed, but it was a huge difference in temperature from having outside 38c, then when you came in, it was like 23, 4, I don’t know. It was way cooler than I expected.”
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“Just looking at my own side, I didn’t feel those conditions before,” Cilic said.
“I had a slow start in the match, losing straightaway my two service games, then catching up most of the time … I’m saying it was very different than what we’ve played outdoor.
“But looking overall, I’m really pleased with the performance. Played great tennis over these two weeks.
“I had tough matches, tough opponents, beating Rafa (Nadal), reaching here a final, which is definitely amazing. Looking at my own game, I think I improved a lot.
“I’m playing great tennis. That’s really exciting for me for this 2018.”
Cilic lamented not taking any of the four break points he held in the opening game of the fifth set, before Federer raced away.
“It was a big battle, five sets. I managed to turn it around. In the fourth set, it was a big boost for me with the game that I played on 3-2 when he was serving,” he said.
“Then that lifted me a lot up. I started to play great tennis.
“I was hitting the ball great. I was just playing phenomenal. Then first game of the fifth set was more or less crucial at the end with having those four, I believe, break points that I didn’t convert.
“Just a little bit tougher game, my service game next game. Just it ran away from me.”
Cilic said Federer remains the benchmark for excellence, outlining what makes the Swiss so great.
“I would say first the passion to compete, season after season, especially at this high level,” he said of Federer.
“Then also being able to challenge himself first physically and then mentally, as well, to be at the top almost every single week.
“To work hard and improve, those things we know he’s doing really well.
“We know he has the level. With his game style, it’s very all-around. In those moments, obviously physical abilities come into play with his age, but also mentally that he’s able to challenge himself and continue with his progress.”
Cilic is confident he can build further on his rise today to No 3.
“My ultimate goal is to reach No 1. That’s my goal,” he said.
“That’s what I’m working for. Even in these last one or two years, the progress that I did is big. Last year I improved a lot in different areas.
“Now in these last couple months, I improved even more. So that gives me big confidence.
“Beating here Rafa — obviously he retired, but it was great match as well. Then playing with Roger head-to-head, a great match. This is giving me big confidence for going forward.
“No 3 feels and looks amazing, especially behind them as well. But I know how difficult it is, knowing as well Novak and Andy and many other guys had a tough last season.
“For me it’s a great time that I improved and that I am continuing to improve. Big time ahead for me.”
