Federer sounds like he’s about to burst into tears as he thanks the crowd. He’s getting more emotional as he thanks Marin Cilic’s team. “I have to stop,” he says. Here come the waterworks. His dad’s crying in the crowd. Rod Laver is taking photos on his phone. Cilic is trying to make Federer look on the bright side. He’ll need to compose himself before his lap of honour with the trophy. That’s all from me. Thanks for reading and emailing over the past fortnight. The Australian Open is over for another year.
Roger Federer, the first man to win 20 grand slam titles, goes up to collect the Australian Open title for a sixth time. He’s got as many as Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson now. “I’m so happy,” he beams. “Winning is an absolute dream come true. The fairytale continues for us, for me. After the great year I had last year, it’s incredible. I’d like to thank Marin, another great tournament. World No3, that’s a hell of an achievement.”
Read Kevin Mitchell’s report from Melbourne Park:
Marin Cilic, who is set to replace Grigor Dimitrov as the world No3, speaks! “Big congratulations to Roger and his team. It’s amazing what you do year after year. All the best for 2018. It was an amazing journey for me to come to the final. Today was a tough match. I had a slight chance at the start of the fifth set. But Roger played an unbelievable fifth set.”
Roger Federer is 155 ranking points behind Rafael Nadal. He’ll return to world No1 on 5 March if Nadal fails to make it to the Acapulco semi-finals.
We’re hearing from the sponsors. It’s fascinating stuff.
That was a strange match. It feels like Federer should have won it in three sets. Instead he had to do it in five. Cilic was outplayed for most of the match, but the way he kept fighting was so admirable. For a brief spell at the start of the fifth it even looked like he might go on to win it. Instead he has to settle for another runners-up trinket.
Since his comeback from a knee injury, Roger Federer has won three of the past five grand slams. He’s astonishing.
Roger Federer wins the Australian Open after beating Marin Cilic 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1!
Federer clips an ace out wide for 15-0. He’s so close now. He moves to 30-0, Cilic sending a forehand wide. Cilic misses another forehand. Here come three championship points. We’re on the verge of seeing history made. Federer misses a first serve. He sends the second to the Cilic backhand, though, and the Croatian can’t do anything with his return. Cilic challenges, but the ball was in. It’s all over! Federer embraces Cilic, accepts the acclaim of the crowd and then sits down for another good old weep. He’s won his sixth Australian Open title and his 20th grand slam title! He’s 36 years old.
Updated
Fifth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 1-5 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic chips a backhand slice wide to make it 0-15. Then he nets a backhand. He frowns. It’s 0-30. Cilic’s game has completely gone to pot here. Another errant backhand makes it 0-40. He saves the first, but then he nets a forehand. Federer will serve for the title!
Fifth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 1-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer moves to 30-0. An ace makes it 40-0. He holds to love. The serve’s back.
Fifth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 1-3 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic keeps hope alive, holding to love with an ace. Federer can’t relax yet.
Fifth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 0-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Cilic shakes off the disappointment of being broken, hammering a backhand down the line for 0-15. He’s still not giving up. After a Federer ace makes it 30-15, Cilic reaches a drop shot by the Swiss before chipping a gorgeous forehand down the line for 30-all. Cilic clenches his fist. He’s annoyed with himself after spooning a backhand wide off a second serve, but the game goes to deuce when Federer sends a forehand long. Federer looks unusually flustered. He bellows when Cilic, stretching, sends a return long. He’s happier when Cilic crashes a forehand wide.
Fifth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 0-2 Federer (*denotes server): At 15-all, Cilic double-faults. The applause from the crowd is urgent and a little ungenerous. Cilic drowns it out and makes it 30-all. He’s so up for this now, working Federer over with the forehand to make it 40-30. The game goes to deuce after a splendid Federer return, though, and then he challenges a Cilic second serve. It was long. It’s a break point. Federer’s backhand return is sharp and Cilic nets a forehand to drop his serve. What next?
Fifth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 0-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer, of course, won last year’s final in five sets. He also beat Cilic in five at Wimbledon in 2016. But while there’s no doubt who most fans are backing, Cilic is swinging freely. The game goes to 30-all. Federer is mightily relieved to see Cilic swipe a forehand wide. But the game goes to deuce after a Cilic smash. You know, this reminds me of Federer’s five-set defeat to Juan Martin del Potro in the 2009 US Open final. Federer slaps a forehand into the net to give up a break point. He’s teetering here. Cilic lets him off the hook, netting a forehand return off a second serve, but he has another chance after Federer sends a backhand long. Federer saves it, though, serving well. Mirka’s on her feet now. This is the first time Federer’s been tested in the entire tournament. You feel he’s having to rouse himself. So he pings a backhand from left to right to hold. What an angle. Cilic’s challenge is in vain.
Marin Cilic wins the fourth set 6-3 to level the match!
They were getting ready to put Federer’s name on the trophy 20 minutes ago. But now look. The break’s disappeared and now Cilic is serving for a fifth set. He begins the task by volleying brilliantly for 15-0. Then Federer nets a backhand. The crowd sounds disappointed. The applause is almost muted when Cilic sends a serve out wide to earn three set points. Another booming serve down the middle forces Federer to hit long and, incredibly, we’re heading into a fifth set. Don’t pretend you saw this coming. What a comeback from Cilic!
Fourth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 5-3 Federer* (*denotes server): This is a weird match. Cilic has looked down and out on several occasions, yet he keeps managing to clamber off the ropes to land a few blows on Federer. A huge forehand takes him to 0-30. Then he rushes Federer into a forehand error to earn two break points. A Federer forehand almost lands long. It stays in, though, and Cilic overcooks a backhand. Then Cilic misses a return off a second serve. The game goes to deuce. Federer is under severe pressure at the moment. He’s facing another break point after sending a backhand wide, challenging to no avail. Cilic is ruthless this time, slapping a forehand past Federer. He’s won four straight games and will serve to force a decider!
Fourth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 4-3 Federer (*denotes server): I’ve just noticed the last few entries have had the third-set score the wrong way round. Easy explanation: Rafa Nadal took over my laptop. Unfortunately for Cilic, he didn’t win it. Sorry, Marin. Not that he cares. He survives a double-fault and a break point to hold. Federer needs to react quickly.
Fourth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 3-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Or does he know? Do we know? Two big shots take Cilic to 0-30. Then Federer chucks in a double-fault. Three break points. Cilic turns up the power with his forehand and Federer cracks. It isn’t over yet!
Updated
Fourth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 2-3 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic is doing his best not to give up, holding to 15. But he knows. We all know. At least he hasn’t got a blister.
Updated
Fourth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 1-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer holds to love with a ridiculous drop shot.
Updated
Fourth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 1-2 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic’s first double-fault makes it 15-all. Soon it’s 15-30, Federer’s forehand return so very good. It’s draining. At 30-all, Cilic double-faults again. But he’s still battling, thumping a forehand down the line to force deuce. He clings on to his serve. Can he break?
Updated
Fourth set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 0-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer gambols into a 40-0 lead, belief draining from Cilic with every point that gets away from him. He holds to 15.
Updated
Fourth set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 0-1 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic looks disheartened. At 30-all, he nets a backhand to give Federer a break point. Federer’s chopped sliced return pulls Cilic forward. The big man stoops and dribbles a slice into the net. Federer is closing in on victory.
Updated
Roger Federer wins the third set to lead 6-2, 6-7, 6-3!
Federer easily wins the first point, giving a short return the necessary treatment. He swiftly earns three set points. He only needs one: an ace out wide means he’s one set away from winning his 20th grand slam title.
Third set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 3-5 Federer (*denotes server): Serving to stay in the set, Cilic holds to love. Federer will serve for it.
Third set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 2-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer butchers a backhand to make it 0-15, drawing a wince from the crowd. But an ace makes it 15-all. Then he comes up with a vintage moment, peeling backwards to hit a deep forehand on the half-volley, surprising Cilic, who nets his forehand. Another ace makes it 40-15. Federer holds to 30. He’s a game away from regaining his lead.
Third set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 2-4 Federer (*denotes server): At 0-15, Cilic makes a poor choice, sending a backhand approach shot down the line. Federer’s easy crosscourt forehand forces Cilic to send a volley wide for 0-30. Then Cilic nets a backhand to give Federer three break points. This is a return to Cilic’s form in the early part of the match. Federer nets a backhand on the first, but Cilic lazily sends a forehand wide. Federer’s celebration is exuberant.
Third set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 2-3 Federer* (*denotes server): The first two points are shared. This has become a little more reminiscent of the 2014 US Open semi-final, with Cilic’s strength starting to ask Federer a few questions. At 40-15, a whipcrack forehand return from Cilic is a warning. Federer has to make sure, serving crisply to hold to 30.
Third set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 2-2 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic clobbers a forehand into the left corner for 15-0. He’s really starting to give it some. An ace moves him to 40-15. Federer nets a backhand.
Third set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 1-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Cilic really fancies this now, swiping a forehand return past Federer for 0-15. Federer hits back with two aces, though, moving to 30-15. He holds to 30.
Third set: Cilic* 2-6, 7-6, 1-1 Federer (*denotes server): At 15-0, Cilic loses a long battle of the backhands. Then he nets one to make it 15-30. He can’t afford a dip here. Good serving takes him to 40-30. He holds with a fine backhand. We’ve finally got a fight on our hands.
Just reported by @ESPN: Simona Halep went to the hospital overnight for four hours and was treated for dehydration. Was released Sunday morning.
— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) January 28, 2018
I have had ESPN report confirmed by another source. Perhaps played a role in the decision to close the roof for tonight's men's final on an even hotter night. https://t.co/Su8uXaPZMK
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) January 28, 2018
Third set: Cilic 2-6, 7-6, 0-1 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer holds to 15 with an ace. He must be livid. He had a lot of chances to take a two-set lead. Now there are doubts. He hadn’t dropped a set all tournament.
Updated
Marin Cilic wins the second set 7-6 to level the final!
Second-set tie-break: Cilic* 7-5 Federer (*denotes server): It’s Cilic to serve. Federer’s never really in the rally. He blocks a ball high into the air and Cilic watches it carefully before crushing a smash past the Swiss! Against all the odds, the final’s level! Cilic has stolen the set, but it’s up for grabs now!
Second-set tie-break: Cilic 6-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer saves the first set point with an ace.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic 6-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Cilic returns deep before pummelling a forehand past Federer to earn two set points!
Second-set tie-break: Cilic* 5-4 Federer (*denotes server): Federer blocks a return long. He challenges the serve. It was well in.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic* 4-4 Federer (*denotes server): Federer nets a forehand. The tension is rising.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic 3-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Cilic awkwardly knocks a backhand return well wide.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic 3-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Cilic hits back, punishing a second serve with a heavy forehand winner!
Second-set tie-break: Cilic* 2-3 Federer (*denotes server): Federer softens Cilic up with a stinging crosscourt backhand before moving forward to clip a forehand into the open court.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic* 2-2 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic wrongfoots Federer before putting a deft volley away.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic 1-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer swings another ace out wide.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic 1-1 Federer* (*denotes server): After two lets, Federer’s third attempt at a first serve is an ace.
Second-set tie-break: Cilic* 1-0 Federer (*denotes server): A tight rally ends with Federer slicing long.
Second set: Cilic 2-6, 6-6 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer holds to love. Tie-break.
Second set: Cilic* 2-6, 6-5 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic holds to love, nailing an ace down the middle. He’s got a tie-break at least. He’ll want more.
Second set: Cilic 2-6, 5-5 Federer* (*denotes server): Suddenly Cilic is glaring at his box, feeling that this could be his moment after dragging the game to 15-30. Federer, of course, responds with an ace. But perhaps he’s starting to feel the heat. A double-fault gifts Cilic a set point. Yet the Croat can’t take it, stiffing a tame backhand into the net. What a miss. He’ll be kicking himself. Federer holds. “Come on!” he cries.
Second set: Cilic* 2-6, 5-4 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic nets a backhand to make it 0-15. He’s under pressure. All these errors are causing him problems. He’s fortunate that Federer goes too cute with a drop shot down the line after reaching a Cilic volley, the spin taking it wide. The game goes to 30-all and Federer, so light on his feet, earns a break point when he picks off Cilic with a stunning backhand down the line. This is gutsy from Cilic, though, a sliced second-serve ace down the middle to fool Federer and earn a reprieve. Somehow he keeps finding the will and he thumps a forehand past Federer to hold. Federer’s had so many chances. It feels weird that he’s about to serve to keep the set going.
Second set: Cilic 2-6, 4-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Cilic has a glimmer of hope after taking the first point. But he needs to be more consistent. He still can’t quite find his range. Federer holds to 30 when Cilic spanks a forehand long.
Second set: Cilic* 2-6, 4-3 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic has done really well to hang in there. He could have collapsed after that horror first set. Instead he’s fighting. He holds again, coming up with an ace at 40-15. This is more of a contest now.
Second set: Cilic 2-6, 3-3 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer speeds through another service game.
Second set: Cilic* 2-6, 3-2 Federer (*denotes server): At 0-15, Cilic needs three smashes to put Federer away. Federer looked like he was wearing an invisible jetpack there. It; not long before he has a break point, flashing a forehand down the line for 30-40. Cilic comes up with a big serve, though, and he manages to hold.
Second set: Cilic 2-6, 2-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer holds to 15. Nothing to see here.
Second set: Cilic* 2-6, 2-1 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic looks comfortable at 40-15. Think again. Brilliant returning lures Cilic into two scratchy errors, bringing the game to deuce. Then Cilic nets a limp backhand, handing Federer a break point. He needs a first serve here. He gets one, brushing the line with a wide ace, challenging correctly when the serve’s called out. But he’s struggling to get out of this game. He’s making life hard for himself. Eventually Cilic holds. He’s hanging in there.
Second set: Cilic 2-6, 1-1 Federer* (*denotes server): After the first two points are shared, Cilic moves into a lead on the Federer serve for the first time, drawing an error with a powerful return for 15-30. Here’s a chance. He needs to take it. All of a sudden, Cilic is looking sharp, clipping a backhand down the line to earn his first two break points. Federer saves the first with an ace for 30-40. Then he bangs a forehand down the line to force deuce. “Come on!” he cries. Federer holds. Crisis averted.
Second set: Cilic* 2-6, 1-0 Federer (*denotes server): Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There might still be plenty of tennis left in this yet. Cilic will certainly hope so. He’ll be desperate to salvage some pride - and he makes a promising start to this set, holding to 15.
Roger Federer wins the first set 6-2!
Serving for the set, Federer skips into a 15-0 lead. Cilic punches back, whipping a diagonal forehand pass beyond Federer for 15-all. That’s better. But it’s not enough. Federer fizzes two aces away to earn two set points. He serves down the middle and Cilic’s stiff backhand drops wide. That took 24 minutes and it was thoroughly forgettable stuff. At the moment, it’s looking like another miserably one-sided final.
Updated
First set: Cilic* 2-5 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic clips a serve down the middle. Out! Or is it? Cilic challenges. It clipped the line. It’s an ace! 15-0! Another one makes it 30-0. We’ve got a match on our hands! Soon it’s 40-0! Federer nets a backhand and Cilic holds! That’s two straight service games!
First set: Cilic 1-5 Federer* (*denotes server): At 15-0, Cilic smashes a forehand wide. Federer pings an ace down the middle to make it 40-0. He holds to love when Cilic nets a return. Nineteen minutes have passed and Cilic is about to serve to stay in the set.
First set: Cilic* 1-4 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic badly needs to win this game. He looks like he’s on his way when he wallops an ace past Federer for 30-0. But then he sticks one backhand wide and another into the net, letting Federer drift to 30-all. Cilic needs to shake those two misses out of his system. Fortunately that’s precisely what he does, volleying accurately for 40-30, then clambering to an edgy hold. He’s on the scoreboard. He’s in the final at last. But it might be too late, at least as far as this set is concerned.
First set: Cilic 0-4 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer hasn’t had to do much to get into this position. He’s simply had to be Federer. That’s been enough. Perhaps the sheer weight of his aura has made the difference. He hasn’t needed much inspiration to break twice. Instead it’s been all about Cilic’s nerves. He’s spraying the ball all over the court and another wide forehand makes it 15-0. Soon it’s 40-0. Cilic makes himself better when he clobbers a forehand away for 40-15, but Federer holds comfortably.
First set: Cilic* 0-3 Federer (*denotes server): Cilic isn’t with us at the moment. He loses the first point. Then Federer frames a return. The ball drops short, but Cilic moves forward and blooters a forehand miles long, making it 0-30. This is a nightmarish start, akin to Andy Murray’s no-show in the first set of the 2016 final against Novak Djokovic. Soon Federer has three break points, Cilic knocking a forehand wide. Cilic saves the first, nailing a backhand down the line, but he’s broken for a second time when he pulls another wide. This is grim.
First set: Cilic 0-2 Federer* (*denotes server): Federer rumbles into a 40-0 lead. He’s moving well. He polishes off a love hold with a dreamy forehand. The signs are already worrying for Cilic.
First set: Cilic* 0-1 Federer (*denotes server): The 2018 Australian Open final opens with Marin Cilic, the affable Croatian giant, serving. He bounces. And bounces. And bounces. And bounces. And ... bounces. Then he serves. He wins the first point. The umpire gives him a look. Cilic moves to 30-15. An error makes it 30-all. More bouncing. A missed first serve. A second serve down the middle. It’s got a kick on it, but it bounces up nicely for Federer to flay a backhand away, bringing up the first break point. Then rally for a short while. Cilic miscues a backhand and the call is late. He challenges - and the ball was on the line, meaning he gets another first serve. But he’s all over the place. Federer, defending magnificently, hoicks a defensive lob high into the air. Cilic, in no man’s land, dumps a dismal smash into the net! That was a shocker. He couldn’t have made a worse start.
Marin Cilic wins the toss and elects to serve.
Roger Federer is playing for history. The 36-year-old is the oldest finalist in Melbourne since Ken Rosewall, 37, and Mal Anderson, 36, met 46 years ago, and he’s hoping to win his 20th grand slam title. If he gets it, he’ll draw level with Novak Djokovic and Roy Emerson on six Australian Open titles. On this day in 2007, he won his third, beating Chile’s Fernando Gonzalez in three sets. “Will this be the ding dong battle like we had last year or will it be Fed pounding Cilic?” says John McEnerney. “Fed normally has a hiccup during the HC Slams so far he’s been immaculate he reminds me of Gregory Peck in Cape Fear. Fed in 4 or Cilic in 5. My head & heart say Fed, my gut says Cilic.”
Updated
Here come the players. Their last meeting was an indoor affair too, Federer beating Cilic 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 in London a couple of months ago. The conditions will favour the Swiss. There won’t be any wind to disrupt his smooth game. Cilic’s odds just dropped a little.
The decision to shut the roof is being criticised. Pat Cash has called it ridiculous, saying that this is supposed to be an open-air tournament. In the Eurosport studio, Greg Rusedski is similarly unimpressed, pointing out that while it’s 38C at the moment, the temperature will dip as the evening progresses.
Roger Federer speaks! “I expect him to be ready, two days off after an easy semi against Edmund. I expecy him to be extremely aggressive, serving big, big forehand, big backhand. I expect a similar match-up to the World Tour Finals, which I won in three close sets. I love winning. There are many reasons I’m still playing.”
Marin Cilic speaks! “I’m feeling excited. I know it’s a big challenge to play Roger, but it’s a beautiful way for me to start 2018. I know it’s a big challenge to play him but I know I have beaten him at grand slam level in the past. I know I can do it.”
Not sure my computer has enough memory to upload this, but here they are: Federer's 30 Grand Slam singles finals. Via: ITF pic.twitter.com/F9ZsixM0nN
— Christopher Clarey (@christophclarey) January 28, 2018
Close the roof!
The referee has implemented the heat policy and ruled that the roof on Rod Laver Arena must be shut for the final. It’s an indoor match. Federer will be pleased.
The roof for the #AusOpen final will be closed.
— David Law (@DavidLawTennis) January 28, 2018
It is stinking hot. But surely it’s going to get cooler. Wasn’t shut in first week despite stifling temps.
FYI will drop to 18 degrees on Tuesday. #BBCTennis
Updated
Pre-match reading
Our tennis correspondent, Kevin Mitchell, is the man with the statistics you need to know.
Cilic is tied for eighth in unreturned serves with 41% (254 of 624). Federer is not far behind him in a group of four in 19th place with 37% (174/468). Cilic, though, has had considerably more free points with 107 aces – 19 behind the awesome Ivo Karlovic – to Federer’s 71, which is still good enough to put him in sixth place on the board. If it comes to sheer pace, Cilic also has the edge, having struck a high 133.6mph – 15th fastest of the fortnight – while Federer has cranked it up to 128mph.
It is winning the point that matters and again Cilic edges it with 335 from 408 to Federer’s 243 from 296. Both, though, are at 82%. It is just that Cilic has played way more service games in the 17 hours and three minutes he has spent on court in reaching the final.
Federer has had one of the easiest runs of his career. From beating Aljaz Bedene for the loss of 10 games in the first round through to seeing Hyeon Chung quit with blistered feet seven games into the second set of their semi-final on Friday night, Federer has spent a mere 10 hours and 50 minutes on court. That is just short of an hour more than his stroll of nine hours and 56 minutes at Wimbledon last summer.
Preamble
Hello. You’re unlikely to find anyone with a bad word to say about Marin Cilic. Everyone in tennis agrees that he’s one of the nicest men on the tour, that he’s the kind of person who shows no ego, is generous with his time and is capable of connecting with whoever he comes across. Let’s not be trite and label him a rarity in modern sport – get this, elite athletes are people too and are capable of displaying being normal – but it does make it hard not to warm to him, even if he isn’t your favourite tennis player.
Yet he’s unlikely to be too popular with the crowd on Rod Laver Arena during the next few hours. Sorry, Marin. You seem like a decent guy. They’d love to root for you a bit more. Really, they would. Honest! But unfortunately it’s just the way it is for whoever plays Roger Federer these days. Maybe they can give you a few cheers now and then, some generous applause here and there. Save for the Croatian fans, though, the majority in the stands have come to see another Federer coronation.
The smart money says it’s going to happen. A year since his remarkable return to the tour after six months out with a knee injury, Federer is the hot favourite to defend his title and win his 20th major. His main rivals, after all, are nowhere to be seen. Rafa Nadal, his adversary in last year’s five-set final, retired hurt in the fifth set of his quarter-final against Cilic. Novak Djokovic, the man who once ruled Melbourne, is contemplating elbow surgery. Andy Murray has already gone under the knife. Stan Wawrinka has a bad knee. But Federer, who turns 37 later this year, keeps going. He hasn’t dropped a set yet and he hasn’t even had to sustain a particularly high level of tennis over the past two weeks. His semi-final against Hyeon Chung ended when the young Korean’s blisters proved too painful for him to continue.
Blisters, of course, are the last thing you need when you’re trying to deal with Federer’s variety and invention, as Cilic discovered when he limped to a tear-sodden defeat to the Swiss in last year’s Wimbledon final. That match will be on the mind of both men. Federer destroyed Cilic on that July afternoon, showing his stricken opponent no mercy at all, and leads the former US Open champion 8-1 in their head-to-head. Not that he’ll take the big man’s threat lightly this time. Cilic displayed a strong mentality to fight back against Nadal and he had a light workout in his semi-final with Kyle Edmund. He’s had a few days to prepare for this and he has the weapons to trouble Federer. Let’s just hope he’s packed the right ammunition. After three pretty forgettable grand slam finals, men’s tennis could do with these two putting on a bit of a show here.
Play begins at: 8.30am GMT, 7.30pm in Melbourne.
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