Marin Cilic ready to deliver at Wimbledon after victory at Queen's

By Sky Sports News

Marin Cilic says the injury that hampered him in last year's Wimbledon final was 'maybe destiny'

Marin Cilic says he is ready to play his best tennis and deliver at Wimbledon, one year on from his injury-hampered loss in the final.

The Croat played Roger Federer in last year's final but struggled with blisters on his foot and succumbed to a straight-sets defeat.

It was the first time in 11 attempts that Cilic had reached the Wimbledon final but, despite last year's disappointment, he believes he is well placed to go one step further this time round.

Image: An emotional Cilic received medical treatment during the 2017 Wimbledon final, with blisters hampering his attempt to compete with Roger Federer

He said: "You always believe in your strength and believe you can do it. I'm in great form, playing great tennis, and hopefully I can deliver in Wimbledon.

"Last year I was just one win away from lifting the trophy. This year I hope I'm going to be a little bit more prepared."

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Cilic beat Novak Djokovic in the final at Queen's last week, and he is now hoping to follow in the footsteps of Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal.

Both players - Murray in 2013 and 2016, and Nadal in 2008 - went on to win Wimbledon just weeks after triumphing at Queen's.

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Image: Cilic's victory over Djokovic in the final at Queen's was his second straight win over the Serb after 14 consecutive losses

Asked if his victory at Queen's boosted his confidence ahead of the year's third grand slam, Cilic said: "Absolutely. The grass court season is so short that you really want to peak your form.

"I'm really satisfied and excited that I won at Queen's and I'm going to be as prepared as I can for Wimbledon. Hopefully I can play great tennis over there again.

"Knowing that Andy and Rafa won Wimbledon after winning Queen's can give me a little bit of extra confidence."

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