Grand Slam champion World and No. 9 Marin Cilic’s decision to play in the inaugural season of the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) was influenced by a simple thought. “For me a big part of the decision came because in the countries where we’ll play, people can’t see players too often. It’s a really nice opportunity to interact with them and try to play in cities I have never played in before,” says the 26-year-old Croatian star.
Together with his world famous teammates Novak Djokovic, Eugenie Bouchard, Caroline Wozniacki, Goran Ivanisevic, Nenad Zimonjic, and Arab player Malek Jaziri, Cilic will be playing for the UAE ‘Royals’, visiting countries like India, the Philippines, Singapore and Dubai to play in the professional team tennis competition.
From November 28 until December 13, 2014, the IPTL will bring the excitement of the league format to a sport followed by millions across the world. In its quicker and more exciting format that’s never been seen before, the League will ‘Break the Code’ of the traditional etiquette of tennis in the world. Describing what thrills him most about the League, Cilic says, “It is the different format of the game compared to what we are used to on the Tour. Also, team atmosphere is very different compared to when you play your individual tournaments. I believe the IPTL will also be interesting to follow and play because of the many great players playing. ”
First time features such as time-outs, power points, shootouts, a running shot clock and exciting live in-game entertainment will be an essential part of all matches. Cilic feels matches will be extremely interesting, quicker, and different compared to what’s seen during the year, bringing more excitement to the court. “It will be fun for sure,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.
Cilic thinks tennis fans in the UAE are in for a real treat. “This team will be difficult to beat”, he says confidently! “It’s a big pleasure to be on the same team with these big names of our sport. With Novak playing, Zimonjic in doubles, Goran for legends who is one of the best on the Legends Tour, Wozniacki and Bouchard, who are among the best in the world, Jaziri who is a very dangerous player, and I, hopefully we can win the IPTL this year and make our fans proud.”
He believes the competition has a huge, promising future. “We’ll see how fans like it but I believe it could bring change to the tennis world,” he exclaims talking about the sports’ latest and most exciting spectacle. “My game plan is the same as always. To play my game and to try to win every match I am playing. Hopefully, my team is going to play well that we come in position to win the IPTL,” he says.
Having enjoyed a superb year, the right-hander has compiled a career-best campaign in 2014. “When I am in Asia, I always have good experiences and I always feel welcome,” he says. “Asian fans are very faithful and I appreciate that a lot. The IPTL is surely going to be one of the best experiences in my life. I’m really excited to play in these cities and to experience big crowds over there.”
Currently playing at the year-end finals in London for the very first time, Cilic is part of the elite eight-man field along with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Stan Wawrinka, Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Tomas Berdych in the elite eight-man field at the prestigious tournament. “This has been my best season so far in my career. I felt I have played best tennis and improved in almost every aspect of my game. Physically, I made another step forward so that gives me big confidence for the upcoming season. It’s still unbelievable for me to have become a part of history. Croatian people are really proud of their athletes and the achievements that do that for me are a huge honor and reward for all my hard work and dedication I gave in my tennis career. It’s a big pleasure to be next to Goran, the 2nd Croat to win a Grand Slam.”
When he gets time off during the IPTL, Cilic is looking forward to learning a little more about different cultures in the four cities where he’ll be playing. “I have never been to Manila, Singapore and New Delhi, so I’m going to do a lot of sightseeing and hopefully experience some things I have never experienced in my life! I know they are also very beautiful places so I hope that I’ll have a lot to remember when I finish the IPTL season,” he says with anticipation.
During his free time, the 6’6” star loves to learn about new cities, do some sightseeing, read and listen to music. “My favorite holiday destination is Cavtat, Croatia, a beautiful small city on the Croatian coast near Dubrovnik. I really like to spend my holidays in places which are easy-going and peaceful, and you can recharge your body very quickly.”
