Marin Cilic ready to ruin Roger Federer's bid to make Wimbledon history
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ByEurosport
Updated 16/07/2017 at 10:52 GMT
Marin Cilic is confident he can build on last year's heartbreak to prevent Roger Federer from winning a record eighth Wimbledon men's singles crown when the pair meet in Sunday's title showdown on Centre Court.
Marin Cilic
Image credit: Getty Images
In seven meetings against the tall Croatian, Federer has lost just once, a 2014 US Open semi-final defeat as Cilic went on to claim his maiden Grand Slam title.
In last year's quarter-finals at the All England Club, Federer saved three match points before edging out Cilic in five sets and the closeness of that match is comforting for the 28-year-old Croat.
I was one point away from winning a match over here against him. Definitely, I believe in my own abilities to get through and to win it.
"But I still know that it's a big mountain to climb. Roger is playing maybe some of the best tennis of his career at the moment, having a great season. So I know it's going to be a huge challenge. But I believe I'm ready.
However, the Swiss, level with Britain's William Renshaw and American Pete Sampras on a joint record seven Wimbledon titles, enters the final as the clear favourite, having not dropped a set in entire the tournament.
Should he triumph, Federer, who turns 36 next month, will become the oldest winner of the Challenge Cup since tennis turned professional in 1968.
PLAYER PROFILES
7-Marin Cilic (Croatia)
- The big-serving Croatian was taken to four sets by American Sam Querrey in the last round but held his nerve to reach his first Wimbledon final.
- Cilic had an impressive build-up to the championships, reaching the final at the Queen's Club and the semi-finals at Den Bosch last month.
- The 2014 US Open champion is the first Croatian to appear in a Wimbledon singles final since Goran Ivanisevic triumphed in 2001. He is also looking to be the first from his country to win multiple grand slams.
3-Roger Federer (Switzerland)
- The 35-year-old Swiss, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, has been in stellar form at Wimbledon where he is yet to lose a set this year.
- Federer was rusty upon his return to the grass in Stuttgart but hit his stride in Halle, where he claimed his ninth title at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament without dropping a set.
- The Swiss will become the most successful man in Wimbledon history if he can beat Cilic in Sunday's final and capture the Challenge Cup for an unprecedented eighth time.
- If he wins, Federer will be the oldest winner of the men's All England Club title in the professional era.
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