Croatian Marin Cilic is confident of his team’s chances this coming Coca-Cola Int’l Premier Tennis League (IPTL)
UAE, 13th November 2014*: 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 28 November until 13 December 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.”
All photos courtesy of Getty Images
Follow the writer on Twitter: [social link=”https://twitter.com/burnsports” icon=”62218″]
