Cilic primed for final action

Melbourne – Marin Cilic (above) has experienced the highs and lows of playing in a Grand Slam final and says he is primed to be at his physical best for tomorrow’s Australian Open decider.

The world No 6 is the first Croatian man or woman to appear in the final at Melbourne Park as he battles for his second Grand Slam title.

Cilic’s career high point so far has been his victory at the 2014 US Open where, as the 14th seed, he swept Roger Federer in straight sets on the way to beating Kei Nishikori in the Flushing Meadows final.

But he was in tears when he gamely played on with a nasty blister on his left foot in last year’s Wimbledon decider against the Swiss star, describing it as very tough to deal with.

Another opportunity to win a Grand Slam has quickly materialised early in 2018, with defending champion Federer again waiting for him.

Cilic got there by toppling injured top seed Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals and rising British star Kyle Edmund in the semis.

He says he is in a good space for tomorrow with his serve and forehand working at an optimum in the year’s opening Grand Slam.

“I’m feeling really good physically, even though I’ve had a few matches that went more than three hours,” Cilic said.

“I’ve played a great tournament so far, I’ve improved it comparing to end of the last year. I’m playing much more aggressive, hitting most the shots really good.”

That’s in marked contrast to Wimbledon last July when he wept inconsolably on Centre Court during the second set after calling for medical attention for his blistered foot.

Cilic’s fastest serve in Melbourne is 215km/h – and he has a total of 107 aces over six matches. – AFP