I can still win another Grand Slam, says Cilic
dubai — Marin Cilic was only 21 when he last played in Dubai in 2010. Since then the giant Croat has built an impressive career, becoming the only man to win a Grand Slam in the era of the Big Five – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Stanislas Wawrinka.
The 2014 US Open champion, who lost his two other Grand Slams finals to Roger Federer at the 2017 Wimbledon and the 2018 Australian Open, hopes to have another good season, having helped Croatia win the Davis Cup last year.
“It’s incredibly good to be back in Dubai. I always had a good time in Dubai. I came here nine years ago,” the 30-year-old player said.
“I am obviously a little bit older now. Dubai was always on my wish list. It’s one of the best tournaments in the world. This year I have decided to change my schedule. I will try to use this opportunity as well as I can.”
Cilic, who will face the dangerous Frenchman Gael Monfils in the Dubai first round, says he is now injury-free after having troubles with his knee. “Yeah, I was very busy at the end of the last season. I had London and the Davis Cup as well. That didn’t give me too much time to rest and prepare for the new season,” he said.
“I had some problems with my knee. But I feel good now and I hope that the new season I will have no problems with it.”
And the world number 10 didn’t shy away from admitting that he would continue to chase Grand Slam glory. “You know you are always pushing yourself to win more titles. But the bottom line is that I need to try to improve as a player and to reach the potential that I can reach,” he said.
“Who knows? I can win one or two more Grand Slams or probably I may not. But I will just keep trying to play as well as I can.”
Cilic then revealed why players have enjoyed longer careers in recent years. “Obviously the sports science has improved. The ATP is also doing really well. We are having gyms on the court areas. Every tournaments has lot more physios now. These things do help us last longer,” he said.
“Also the mindset is different now. Twenty years ago, when you were 30, you were already set for retirement. Now when you are 30, you believe your best years are still ahead of you. I think the motivation doesn’t change. Maybe we are looking at next four or five years of great tennis. Maybe these will be the best years of our lives.”