Big-hitting Cilic stands in the way of Federer’s Wimbledon record bid

WiIMBLEDON finalist Marin Cilic said he had a “big mountain to climb” to defeat seven- times champion Roger Federer, but that winning the title would mean the world to him.

The Croatian seventh seed beat American Sam Querrey in the last four yesterday to reach the final, where he will meet Federer, who swept aside Czech Tomas Berdych.

“It would be a dream come true to win Wimbledon,” said Cilic, who has previously won one grand slam, the US Open in 2014. “It would mean the absolute world to me.”

“When I won the U.S. Open, it just opened so many possibilities in my mind for the rest of my career. To be able to do it again would mean even more.”

The 28- year- old acknowledged he faced a formidable challenge in the final to defeat 18-times grand slam champion Federer, who has yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament.

“Over here, I believe this is his home court, the place where he feels the best and knows that he can play his best game,” he said.

“It’s a big mountain to climb. Roger is playing maybe the best tennis of his career, having a great season.”

Cilic went up against the Swiss maestro in the quarter-finals last year, when he snatched defeat from the jaws of victory by squandering a two-set lead and match points.

He said the experience of coming so close to beating Federer would stand him in good stead in this year’s final.

“I would say that I’m now in a little bit of a better form, maybe just slightly mentally stronger, maybe have learned a few more lessons, valuable lessons,” the Croat added.

“Twelve months ago I was one point away from winning a match against him. Definitely, I believe in my own abilities to win it.”

Federer’s relentless pursuit of a record eighth title continued as he beat stubborn Berdych 7-6(4) 7-6(4) 6-4 to reach the final for the 11th time.

The 35-year-old Swiss was given his toughest test yet by the 11th seed, who beat him at the quarter-final stage in 2010, but he raised his game at the crucial moments to become the oldest men’s singles finalist here since Ken Rosewall in 1974.

Rosewall, the aged 39, went on to lose to Jimmy Connors but Federer will be a huge favourite to reclaim the title he last won in 2012 against big-serving Cilic tomorrow.

Federer has now reached 29 grand slam finals and for the third time in his career has reach the Wimbledon final without dropping a set, having also achieved the feat in 2006 and 2008.

“I feel very privileged to be in another final,” Federer, who received a standing ovation at the end, said.

“I’ve got the pleasure to play on Centre Court another time. I can’t believe it’s almost true again. I’m happy to have a day off to reflect on what I’ve done at the tournament.”

Twelve months ago here Federer lost to Milos Raonic in the semi-finals – his legs looking heavy and the years finally appearing to catch up with him – but this year he has rolled back the clock in glorious fashion. He now is one-match away from holding two of the game’s major four prizes for the first time since 2010, having begun the year by claiming the Australian Open title.

Berdych, who reached the semi-final after second seed Novak Djokovic retired hurt in the quarters, is not a man to be taken lightly and Federer was never able to truly relax.

Federer, contesting a record 12th Wimbledon semi-final, broke serve in the fifth game when he whipped away a forehand. Out of nowhere Berdych broke back for 4-4 when Federer – to gasps from the crowd – double-faulted at break point down. But the Swiss weathered all fightbacks. – Reuters