Grand Slam trophy is not far away, says Cilic

Updated: 2011-10-03 07:40

By Sun Xiaochen (China Daily)

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Grand Slam trophy is not far away, says Cilic

BEIJING - Croatian youngster Marin Cilic thrives in the spotlight and is sure a Grand Slam trophy is not far away.

Cilic (pictured) stormed into the semifinals of last year's Australian Open and was tipped to emerge with a major title.

However, the 2005 Junior French Open titlist suffered a string of disappointing exits at Grand Slam events and his ranking has dropped from a career-high ninth to 25.

"From last April to this spring, I wasn't playing my best tennis. I am a little bit immature, I lost my way facing new situations," Cilic said during a promotional event organized by his sponsor, Li-Ning, before the China Open.

Guided by Australian coach Bob Brett, who harnessed German legend Boris Becker and big-serving Croatian Goran Ivanisevic, Cilic made advances in July and regained his form at the US Open, where he advanced to the third round.

Citing world No 1 Novak Djokovic's consistent form, including three major titles this season, Cilic put the Serb's success down to an effective recovery period during breaks on the tight ATP tour.

"He (Djokovic) made some changes and found a balance between perfect tennis and good rest. That's what I should do. The season is long and you should be ready for every week.

"I felt fresh after a rest before the US Open. It seemed to release a big stone off my back. I started to play well," said the 23-year-old.

The young Croatian, who is playing in his fifth consecutive China Open this year, put on a show in 2009 by outclassing No 4 seed Nikolay Davydenko and hot favorite Rafael Nadal en route to the final against Djokovic.

Although he lost to the Serb, Cilic showed off a huge serve and powerful shots from the baseline.

Drawn in the bottom half of the event this year, Cilic will face local youngster Wu Di in the opening round while a tough clash with France's world No 9 Gael Monfils looms in the second round. If the Croatian manages to fight his way into the quarterfinals, American star Andy Roddick will possibly be waiting there.

"That (2009 event) was one of my best tournaments. Now I feel strong coming back after summer tune-ups. Some of the players may count me out as big threat. I am ready to surprise them," Cilic said.

Although keen to rekindle his form at the China Open, Cilic's dreams of a Grand Slam victory seem a way off as the top four men's players continue to dominate on the world's greatest tennis stages.

Learning from Djokovic's efforts to surpass Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Cilic hailed persistency at the elite level as the key to becoming a major champion.

"For me, it's important to play seven to eight months in good form. I still have room to improve and I believe I can win a Grand Slam event," said Cilic.

After signing his sponsorship deal with China's leading sportswear brand, Li-Ning, Cilic said he felt like he would be playing at home at the Beijing event and is keen to wow the local fans.

China Daily