I have mountain to climb against Federer, says Cilic

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LONDON: Wimbledon finalist Marin Cilic said he had a “big mountain to climb” to defeat seven-time champion Roger Federer, but that winning the title would mean the world to him.

The Croatian seventh seed beat American Sam Querrey in the last four on Friday to reach the final, where he will meet Federer who swept aside Tomas Berdych.

“It would be a dream come true to win Wimbledon here,” said Cilic, who has previously won one grand slam, the US Open in 2014. “It would mean the absolute world to me.”

“When I won the US Open, it just opened so many possibilities in my mind for the rest of my career. To be able to do it again would mean even more.”

The 28-year-old acknowledged he faced a formidable challenge in the final to defeat 18-time grand slam champion Federer, who has yet to drop a set at this year’s tournament.

“Over here in Wimbledon, I believe this is his home court, the place where he feels the best and knows that he can play his best game,” he said.

“It’s a big mountain to climb. Roger is playing maybe the best tennis of his career at the moment, having a great season.” — Reuters