In 2014, Marin Cilic finally won a Grand Slam title, after defeating Kei Nishikori in the final of the US Open.
Cilic beat the Japanese star in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, and became the fourth man outside of the ‘big three’ in over nine years to lift a Grand Slam title.
From Roland Garros in 2005 up until the US Open that year, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic had split 34 out of an available 39 major crowns between them.
Only Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and Juan Martin Del Potro had managed to emerge victorious on the biggest stages in tennis during that time, until Cilic added his name to the list.
Following his victory over Nishikori at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the champion made a prediction about the future of the sport.
Marin Cilic’s reaction after winning the US Open title in 2014
A reporter asked the Croatian after his victory: “For so many years, just a few players dominated the majors. What do you think this US Open will mean not just for your future but for men’s tennis’ future?”
Cilic responded: “In one way, I mean, a lot of guys are saying people would like to watch the top four guys much more to extend their streak at the top and to extend their run at the Grand Slams.
“Because, I mean, they attract the most, the fans and the TV, and everybody else. But sort of one day definitely they gonna go out, and there’s gonna be a need for somebody else.
“I feel this time, this year, I mean, I think the guys from the second line were a bit lucky because Andy Murray was also having trouble with his back; Wawrinka was up and down with his tennis after Australia, and Rafa is not here.
“So that opened a little bit the gate for everybody else. I feel it’s gonna definitely going to be much bigger competition from next year.
“I feel the guys at the top are gonna pull the other guys, too. I think the game of tennis is definitely going to evolve much more.”
Marin Cilic called his Grand Slam triumph the ‘peak of the world’
Cilic continued: “I mean, [it] seems completely unreal to be called a Grand Slam champion.
“I was dreaming about this all my life, and suddenly last four, five days, everything started to change. And with my tennis, especially.
“I started to play absolutely unbelievable, starting with the fifth set with Simon. After that, I had an unbelievable run of matches against these top guys.
“And what it means to me, it means everything. It’s just a huge accomplishment and a huge moment for myself and for my team and for everybody around me who was with me all these years, supporting me, believing in me, and never giving up. So this is just the peak of the world.”
He hasn’t added to his major tally since 2014, but reached the Wimbledon final in 2017, and the Australian Open final in 2018, losing both times to Federer.
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