Marin Cilic’s ‘incredible level’ vs Roger Federer, unforgettable first ATP match | ATP Tour

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Cilic’s ‘incredible level’ vs Federer, unforgettable first ATP match

Croatian talks to ATPTour.com after his 600th Tour-level victory

February 11, 2026

Marin Cilic celebrated his 600th tour-level victory at the Nexo Dallas Open on Tuesday, becoming the second active player after Novak Djokovic to reach the milestone.

In which victory did the former PIF ATP No. 3 play his best tennis?

“I have to say, playing Roger [Federer] The semifinals of the U.S. Open are on an unreal level. Also, Rafa [Nadal] “At the Australian Open,” Cilic said, “some of the matches are just top-notch matches.”

Cilic won one of his two Lexus ATP head-to-head matches against Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the 2018 Australian Open. But the first match the 21-time tour-level champion mentioned was his famous 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over Roger Federer in the 2014 U.S. Open semi-finals.

Not only did Cilic fail to defeat Federer again, but he also took advantage of the opportunity to win his only Grand Slam title by defeating Kei Nishikori.

“I would say it’s one of the best connections I’ve had in terms of my technique, playing on the court, feeling the ball, feeling the conditions,” Cilic said. “And just playing instinctively, free, playing instinctively, everything flowing. It was pure – absolutely pure, pure tennis.”

Ironically, Cilic’s game following Tuesday’s win over Learner’s Field in Dallas was between Alex Michelson and Grigor Dimitrov. Michelsen’s coach, Christopher Fliggen, was Cilic’s opponent in his first ATP Tour event more than 20 years ago. In 2005, Frigen defeated Cilic 7-5, 6-2 in Umag.

“I remember feeling relaxed before the game. Everything was fine. Just preparing for the game, no nerves,” Cilic said. “But when we started warming up during the game and the announcer announced my arrival in front of a packed stadium in Croatia, I was greeted there with a warm welcome and a round of applause.

“My legs are gone. I can’t feel my legs anymore.”

Cilic clearly remembers that day in his home country, where he was 16 and competing on the ATP Tour.

“We played in Umag in sweltering heat and I still remember it as one of the toughest days for a young player,” Cilic said. “After the first set, I asked the referee for a medical check but I didn’t see him.

“Everything was black, so it was a fun experience, but also a beautiful experience.”

Cilic, 37, is tied with Djokovic (1,168 wins) as the only active men’s players to reach 600 wins at the tour level. Considering the respect he has for the Serbian people, that makes this achievement even more special.

“Of course, but he was too far ahead,” Cilic said with a smile. “It’s a huge honor for our career and so many years on tour. We’ve had some great seasons.

“You go through some difficult moments and go through a lot of things. But the passion, drive and courage are still there and it definitely helped me reach this milestone.”