Australian Open final LIVE: Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic updates, score and highlights

Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic LIVE updates

Federer 3-0 Cilic*

Very nervous start by Cilic as he falls to 0-40. Cilic saves the first break point but his nightmare start continues as he hits another backhand long.

Big problems for Cilic at the moment.

Federer* 2-0 Cilic

A blistering start by Federer has he holds serve in just over one minute. Wowzers.

Jamie Murray tweeted: “I can’t believe they’ve closed the roof.”

Federer 1-0 Cilic*

Ominious start by Federer as he earns a break point with a cross court backhand return.

Cilic as he wins an early challenge but when the point is replayed the Croat hits a smash into the net to gift an early break.

First set

08:30: Confirmation that the roof is closed for the final. Meanwhile, Cilic won the toss and has chosen to serve first.

Greg Rusedski has gone for Federer in four.

08:25: It’s showtime folks. Cilic and then Federer walk onto court to huge ovations. Both show their appreciation as they walk to their chair.

08:15: Cilic, 29, is looking to win his second major title and become the first Croatian to win the Australian Open.

“It’s a big motivation for me to play the final and obviously to win,” said Cilic.

“I’m feeling really good with my game, so hopefully I can have a great match and also great energy on the court.”

Federer and Cilic have met each other nine times with the Swiss star leading the head-to-head 8-1.

Cilic’s only victory came in 2014 when beat Federer on the way to winning the US Open.

Federer vs Cilic head-to-head

2017 – Federer d Cilic 6-7(5) 6-4 6-1 (ATP Finals, hard)

2017 – Federer d Cilic 6-3 6-1 6-4 (Wimbledon, grass)

2016 – Federer d Cilic 6-7(4) 4-6 6-3 7-6(9) 6-3 (Wimbledon, grass)

2014 – Cilic d Federer 6-3 6-4 6-4 (U.S. Open, hard)

2014 – Federer d Cilic 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-4 (Toronto, hard)

2012 – Federer d Cilic 6-3 6-4 (Shanghai, hard)

2011 – Federer d Cilic 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-2 (U.S. Open, hard)

2011 – Federer d Cilic 6-4 6-3 (Monaco, clay)

2008 – Federer d Cilic 6-3 6-4 (Paris, hard)

08:05: Eurosport are reporting that a decision will be made soon over whether to close the roof on Rod Laver.

It’s another extremely hot day in Melbourne.

Aussie legend Pat Cash is not pleased with the prospect of the roof closing though: “It’s an open tournament, it will be a crime if they close it.”

07:55: Will there be an upset at the Australian Open today?

Former British No 1 John Lloyd doesn’t think so.

“There’s a chance but it’s a small one,” Lloyd told BBC 5 Live this morning.

“Cilic has to play at his best and Federer has to play less than his best.

“I will go with Federer. But it’s going to be a great final.”

07:50: The players are expected to walk onto the Rod Laver Arena at around 8:30am with play to begin shortly afterwards.

07:20: Federer and Cilic have both in serene form throughout the tournament.

Here’s how they have progressed through – 

Roger Federer’s Australian Open 2018 run

First round: beat Aljaz Bedene (Slovenia) 6-3 6-4 6-3

Second round: beat Jan-Lennard Struff (Germany) 6-4 6-4 7-6(4)

Third Round: beat 29-Richard Gasquet (France) 6-2 7-5 6-4

Fourth Round: beat Marton Fucsovics (Hungary) 6-4 7-6(3) 6-2

Quarter-finals: beat 19-Tomas Berdych (Czech Republic) 7-6(1) 6-3 6-4

Semi-finals: beat Chung Hyeon (South Korea) 6-1 5-2 Retired

Marin Cilic’s Australian Open 2018 run

First round: beat Vasek Pospisil (Canada) 6-2 6-2 4-6 7-6(5)

Second round: beat Joao Sousa (Portugal) 6-1 7-5 6-2

Third Round: beat Ryan Harrison (U.S.) 7-6(4) 6-3 7-6(4)

Fourth Round: beat Pablo Carreno Busta (Spain) 6-7(2) 6-3 7-6(0) 7-6(3)

Quarter-finals: beat Rafa Nadal (Spain) 3-6 6-3 6-7(5) 6-2 2-0 Retired

Semi-finals: beat Kyle Edmund (Britain) 6-2 7-6(4) 6-2

07:00: The Australian Open final is almost upon us, with Roger Federer and Marin Cilic in Melbourne.

And you can follow it LIVE with Express Sport.