LONDON: Newly crowned Fever-Tree champion Marin Cilic expects Roger Federer to up his level at the Wimbledon Championships following his latest loss.
Federer, 36, was denied his tenth Gerry Weber Open title in Halle by Cilic’s compatriot Borna Coric. Coric produced a strong display to prevail 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-2. Federer’s loss comes after what has been a far from a flawless run in the German city. Earlier in the week he was short of his best tennis at times against players such as Benoit Paire and Denis Kudla.
“[Coric played] quality tennis at the very end of that first set and then in the third… He never really dropped his level and that was it,” Federer said after the final. “So, it was an unfortunate match for me but credit to Borna to really come out and play a tough match today.”
In contrast, Cilic has finished the week with a title following his triumph over Novak Djokovic. Questioned about Federer’s recent form, the world No.6 was quick to dismiss any significance of it heading into Wimbledon. Federer, who will lose his No.1 ranking on Monday, will be bidding to win his ninth title at SW19.
“I think still he had a great two weeks. Hasn’t played two weeks in a row for a long time.” Cilic said about the 20-time grand slam champion.
“He has had a tough match, three-setter against Borna who obviously had an amazing week.
“I think Roger, motivational level I think just slightly better and higher during Grand Slams, and you can see that throughout so many years that he’s been showing the best tennis at Grand Slam level.”
In what was a clean sweep for Croatian tennis players on the tour this weekend, Cilic has hailed the performance of his compatriot. Halle is Coric’s biggest title to date and only his second on the ATP Tour. He is now set to rise to a ranking high of 21st in the world on Monday.
“It’s an amazing win for Borna, obviously.” Said Cilic. “Beating Alex (Zverev) in the first round and going through the draw and then beating Roger today. It is an amazing effort by him, first title on grass and first 500. Great week for Croatians.”
Cilic will return back into the world’s top five on Monday in fifth place.
