Another successful day for Marin Cilic.
The best Croatian tennis player Marin Čilić has remained the sole Croatian representative in the singles tournament of the first Grand Slam of the season, after he defeated Spaniard Albert Ramos 6-4, 6-3, 7-6(4) and advanced to the third round, reports Jutarnji List on January 20, 2016.
The match between Čilić and the Spaniard lasted for two hours and 12 minutes, and Čilić served as many as 17 aces. In addition, Čilić won 84 percent of points on his first serve, he broke his opponent’s serve three times, and won a total of 103 points, while the Spaniard took 86 points. This was their fourth match and the third victory for Čilić.
In the third round of Australian Open, Čilić will play against another Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, who is currently the 21st best tennis player in the world. In their previous two matches, Čilić won both times.
“Today was a very good match for me. I served very well and was quite aggressive. I was looking for a chance to make as many ‘winners’ as possible and to force Ramos to be on the defensive”, said Čilić after the match. “I think I was extremely concentrated throughout the match and that I was physically in a good shape. I would say that I have been very good in all aspects of the game”, added the Croatian tennis player.
“I have played twice against Bautista, both times in the finals of the indoor tournament in Moscow. I know his style, and I know he has not been defeated in the last week and a half, since he won the tournament in Auckland and passed the two rounds here. It will definitely be a tough match because he is a player who does not give you a lot of chances, he is fast on the court and has a solid game”, said Čilić talking about his next opponent.
“A lot will depend on me. I hope to serve well and be aggressive like today, I will try to be mentally tough. I feel good physically and hope for another great match”, concluded the best Croatian tennis player.
