Marin Cilic, World no. 14 and the first player since Carlos Moya to win back-to-back titles at the Aircel Chennai Open, talks about the year gone by, his experience at Chennai and more, in an email interview with The Hindu . The Chennai Open (CO) will see Cilic battle it out with the likes of Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka and Janko Tipsarevic between January 3 and 11.
2010 started off with a bang for you (defending titles at Chennai and Zagreb, the run at the Australian Open) but kind of ended in a whimper. What happened - was it a question of accumulated fatigue and tiredness, or was it a dip in form?
Cilic: Yes, I had a really good start to the year. I was on my best start and best winning streak in my career. I had 17 wins and one loss over a one-and-a-half month period. Of course in tennis, sports and life we have ups and downs. It is not always easy. But these things are going to come. I have to say I have had some tough times but I am looking forward to the next season now and will try to do well this year in Paris, finish good and have a fresh good start for the next year.
Chennai has been a favourite haunt of yours, what are your plans for Chennai Open 2011? Sticking to the basics that got you the back-to-back title haul here, or are you trying to change things around (with respect to your game) to recapture form?
The biggest reason for the back to back wins was very good preparation in the off season and I was really fresh and hungry to play. I enjoy playing at CO. It is very well organised. I feel good on the court and can give my best.
How does your height (Cilic is 6'6”) affect your tennis? Pop science seems to suggest that the most convenient height for an activity like tennis is around 6-6'2". Your thoughts?
You have good and bad things about height. It depends on how you are moving and what your potential is. From my side I am doing my best of myself and my natural ability , but still I think I have a lot of room to improve in many things.
How difficult was the quarterfinal defeat to Serbia in the Davis Cup? What was it like being the youngest member of the team?
Davis Cup was a great experience, especially as this year we had a big tie against Greece and in the quarterfinals against Serbia. It was a great experience and atmosphere for me, to play in that kind of situation. It was the first time in history that Croatia and Serbia played against each other in tennis. Everyone was expecting a lot of tension around the court. But I have to say it was really positive and even though we lost I think we got good results this year.
Any specific reason for choosing Chennai over Doha or Brisbane (which host ATP 250 tournaments in the same week as Chennai)?
Well, I have played in Chennai for last four years and it has been a great tournament to play in. I feel good being in Chennai and so there is no reason to change.
