Cilic: ‘Small Margins Are Going To Make The Difference’

Appearing at the Nitto ATP Finals for the fourth time, Marin Cilic is well aware of the challenges ahead of him as he attempts to advance beyond round-robin play for the first time at the elite eight-man event.

The 30-year-old, who began his season by reaching his third Grand Slam final at the Australian Open (l. to Federer), will begin his campaign against German Alexander Zverev on Monday afternoon, with a strong start crucial as he hopes to win his opening match at the tournament for the first time. Joined in Group Guga Kuerten by Novak Djokovic and John Isner, Cilic will be aiming to overcome the disappointment of three-set losses in each of his round-robin matches at The O2 last season.

“Small margins are going to make the difference,” said Cilic. “Playing the top guys is always a big challenge and matches against them are always very close and very tight.”

With a 1-8 record in his previous three appearances, Cilic will be eager to get off to a good start in a city where he has enjoyed success in recent years. Earlier this year, the 18-time tour-level titlist saved one championship point to overcome Novak Djokovic in the Fever-Tree Championships final. Cilic also reached the championship match at Wimbledon in 2017 (l. to Federer).

“This year I feel that I am prepared well and I am feeling good physically as well,” said Cilic. “I feel, mentally, quite fresh and ready for the challenges. I feel these experiences, from previous [appearances], will help me prepare better.”

After early losses in Tokyo, Shanghai and Basel, Cilic rediscovered his best form at the Rolex Paris Masters last week. The 6’6″ right-hander defeated Philipp Kohlschreiber and reigning Nitto ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov, before ending Novak Djokovic’s 30-set winning streak in a three-set loss to the eventual runner-up.

“In Paris, last week, I played great tennis,” said Cilic. “I am feeling good at the moment and [I am] very excited.”

With experience and form, Cilic could finally be set to show his best level at the season finale. But he, as well as the rest of the field, knows it will likely come down to the smallest of margins.