Marin Cilic says what was so ‘different’ about Roger Federer compared to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

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Marin Cilic has highlighted the way in which Roger Federer was different from Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The 2014 US Open champion played against each of the tennis’ ‘Big 3’ on multiple occasions throughout his career.

He knows more than most just how difficult a task it was to defeat the legends of the game, irrespective of the tournament or surface.

Having played against the trio as often as he did, Cilic learned a thing or two, one of which he shared during his time at the Belgrade Open.

What did Marin Cilic say is different about Roger Federer compared to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal?

Marin Cilic played Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic a combined total of 39 times. Though he claimed just five wins, the 36-year-old engaged in some intense battles against the trio.

While at the ongoing Belgrade Open, Cilic highlighted the difference between Federer and his two biggest rivals in Nadal and Djokovic.

“Novak and Rafa, they are similar mentally. If you are not with them from the first ball of the match, you can immediately go home and say goodbye to everyone,” Cilic said.

“You have to be mentally ready to play from the first shot because once they get into the rhythm, there is no going back.

“With Roger, on the other hand, it was very different. He always served fantastically, played offensively, and was able to change the rhythm, the game.

“If I compare them to the younger ones, Sinner and Alcaraz, it is clear that Jannik and Carlos are not yet at the same level of mental preparation as Novak, Roger and Rafa were.”

Marin Cilic had a tough time competing against the ‘Big 3’

As mentioned above, like the vast majority of players, Cilic struggled against Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

In 11 career meetings against Federer, Cilic claimed just one win, but it was a massive one.

At the 2014 US Open, Cilic defeated Federer in straight sets to reach the final, where he beat Kei Nishikori to win his lone Grand Slam title.

Cilic defeated Nadal twice from their nine matches against each other, including the 2018 Australian Open, when Nadal retired hurt early in the fifth set of their quarter-final match.

Cilic played Djokovic on 21 occasions and claimed just two wins and they came back-to-back. He claimed victory at the 2016 Paris Masters, before winning the 2018 Queen’s final 5-7 7-6(4) 6-3.