First Juan Martin del Potro... Now Marin Cilic?
Juan Martin del Potro played a dream tournament to win the 2009 U.S. Open title beating Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the semis and finals. Del Potro was the first of the talented new crop of “big men” who hit powerful ground strokes, strong serves and
move well for their height, to win a Grand Slam title. Could Marin Cilic be the next one to win a Grand Slam title at the 2010 Australian Open?
After coming through to defeat Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick in successive five set matches, Cilic is now in the semis. Marin, who is coached by Bob Brett, Boris Becker’s old coach has the talent to win a Grand Slam title, but the questions that still need to be answered are whether he has the conditioning, especially in the Australian heat, as well as the belief and mental fortitude to come through the next two potentially tense, tough matches. The Australian Open has featured a couple surprise finalists such as Marcos Baghdatis and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the past few years, as well as first-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic. Cilic, who won key matches in Croatia’s Davis Cup victory over the United States last summer, is on the edge of great things as a tennis player and the next few days will answer whether he’s “ready” to fulfill his potential. To do it, Cilic will need to repeat his 2009 U.S. Open victory over Andy Murray who is also seeking his first Grand Slam title.
After coming through to defeat Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Roddick in successive five set matches, Cilic is now in the semis. Marin, who is coached by Bob Brett, Boris Becker’s old coach has the talent to win a Grand Slam title, but the questions that still need to be answered are whether he has the conditioning, especially in the Australian heat, as well as the belief and mental fortitude to come through the next two potentially tense, tough matches. The Australian Open has featured a couple surprise finalists such as Marcos Baghdatis and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the past few years, as well as first-time Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic. Cilic, who won key matches in Croatia’s Davis Cup victory over the United States last summer, is on the edge of great things as a tennis player and the next few days will answer whether he’s “ready” to fulfill his potential. To do it, Cilic will need to repeat his 2009 U.S. Open victory over Andy Murray who is also seeking his first Grand Slam title.
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