As Roger Federer offers hope, Novak Djokovic and Marin Cilic look to become main Wimbledon challenger
A fascinating week of two contrasting ATP 500 tournaments has brought about an intriguing finale at The Queens Club as Novak Djokovic takes on Marin Cilic.
With Wimbledon around the corner, the strongest field ever seen at the Fever-Tree Championships has given an insight into the main challengers awaiting Roger Federer as he chases a record ninth title at the All England Club.
At the beginning of the week, few would have bet against Federer getting his hands on the famous trophy once more, but the landscape has slightly shifted.
Theres no doubt the Swiss remains the heavy favourite, but his own performances coupled with the impressive form of both Djokovic and Cilic has added extra spice to the Wimbledon broth with just over a week to go.
While Djokovics on-court frustration during his semi-final match with Jeremy Chardy may have been a source of intrigue, it was nothing compared to Federers antics over in mainland Europe.
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The Swiss has stuttered through a reasonably straightforward field in Halle – at least far weaker than on show at The Queens Club – and appeared agitated throughout the week.
His fury peaked in his semi-final win over Denis Kudla on Saturday and, in truth, the world No. 1 was fortunate to avoid more uncomfortable circumstances.
Federer spanked a ball into the crowd at full pelt – in similar fashion to Canadas Denis Shapovalovs unfortunate striking of umpire Arnaud Gabas in the Davis Cup against Great Britain – but escaped with a mere warning.
Its been clear that all is not perfectly rosy in camp Federer and fiercer opposition may well have capitalised.
Few, of course, can realistically provide genuine competition to the eight-time Wimbledon champion on a grass court but its fitting that perhaps the most likely challengers at the All England Club will go face-to-face on Sunday.
Cilic has firmly established himself as one of the worlds best grass-court players and has reached two Grand Slam finals over the past year.
Blisters ensured he gave a weak showing in the 2017 final defeat at the hands of Federer, but if this week at Queens is anything to go by, hes become even stronger than last year.
While Cilic is still yet to prove he can defeat Federer over five sets on grass – despite coming mighty close in 2016 – three-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic is the only man to beat the 36-year-old twice at SW19.
A full-pelt Djokovic has been sorely missed in a period where Federer and Rafael Nadal have been doing their best Chuckle Brothers to me, to you impression with Grand Slam titles. He remains the only player who is capable of taking them both to task on their favoured surfaces.
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His form has been arguably the most important takeaway from a sterling week of action at the Fever-Tree Championships, and the final allows him the opportunity to position himself as the biggest threat to Federer at Wimbledon.
Cilic, of course, can do exactly the same. A statement win over Djokovic would put to bed any doubts over his form against the very best on the bigger stages – it would confirm his place as the most dangerous opponent Federer is likely to face.
With Nadals recent grass history unconvincing, Andy Murray far from fit, Juan Martin del Potro electing to not play a warm-up tournament and Nick Kyrgios still dealing with the weight of expectation on him at Grand Slam level, Djokovic and Cilic will likely sit right behind Federer in the bookmakers odds for the third major of the year.
The final itself will be a classic clash of styles.
Cilic vs Djokovic
Head-to-head
Djokovic 14-1 Cilic
Grass H2H
Djokovic 2-0 Cilic
Last meeting
2016 Paris Masters QF: Cilic 6-4 7-6
Odds (Betfair)
5/4 – Cilic
4/6 – Djokovic
Best Queens performance
Djokovic: Final (2008)
Cilic: Winner (2012)
Djokovic is famed for his spectacular returning game – the highest level ever seen in the mens game – while the Cilic serve is a deadly weapon.
The 31-year-old came up with a humorous proposal for how to deny it.
Two racquets, he told the BBC after beating Chardy. Youve got to have one racquet in the right hand and one in the left and hopefully its going to surprise him.
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Answering more seriously later in his press conference, Djokovic added: I think the key will be obviously try to return well, because thats his biggest weapon, his serve.
He uses it so accurately on the grass. And obviously trying to get as many free points on my own serve.
So its easier said than done, but Im, you know, going into tomorrows final knowing that its going to be really tough match for me but a great challenge and Im working for it.
But Cilic is more than just a serve. Indeed, his own returning has been impressive throughout the week and the manner in which he follows up his serve gives opponents little hope of breaking.
Hes dropped just one game behind his serve and has remained incredibly focused in tiebreakers – winning all three hes contested.
This is all familiar territory for the world No. 6, who will appear in the final at Queens for the fourth time.
I played great matches throughout the week, four very solid matches, and just keep going, Cilic said. Its great for me that I have another shot for the title, as well, and, you know, last year was great final. I lost it with having a match point.
Its great to play again for the trophy, especially knowing that the tournament was really strong with the field this year. You know, just shows that Im in good form, and hopefully I can definitely play really good tennis tomorrow.
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We can certainly expect both to play at a high level on Sunday – the pair have played some fabulous stuff.
Predicting a winner is far more difficult. In years gone by, Djokovic would be the clear favourite but these days Cilic is a serious force to be reckoned with.
Having picked him to win the tournament from the start, it seems foolhardy to switch at this late stage.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
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