Defending champion Marin Cilic says that the Serbian Novak Djokovic is the favourite to win the US Open this year
Marin Cilic is back at Flushing Meadows after his magnificent run last year where he went on to win his first grand slam title. After his first grand slam triumph, Cilic wasn’t much successful in any other grand slam tennis and things have changed a lot in his life said the Croatian in the US Open 2015 draw ceremony.
“It is a new feeling for me to come back as defending champion. It brings a lot of good memories, the best I have in my life. It makes me smile. Now I get to live those moments again and get on the court and try to enjoy myself, which is the most important thing”.
“My life has changed, players respect me a lot more, but I also have a lot more pressure to win matches”.
Marin also gave his personal opinion on who should be considered the favourite to win the US Open this year.
“Novak Djokovic is still the player to beat on the men’s side. I put him on top of the list. Andy Murray has been playing great, and Roger Federer is always going to be a contender in a Grand Slam tournament, especially seeing how he played in Cincinnati. I think other players can get into the fight for the title too. Since Wawrinka won the Australian Open in 2014 it made us believe we can do it too, and it is possible to win the major tournaments” said Cilic with a smile.
Marin also has had a chance to have a look at the new structure built on Arthur Ashe, which starting from next year will grant a roof on the biggest tennis stadium in the world.
“I have played on the court this year and I have to say the structure looks amazingly well done. I really like it” said Marin.