'Fit Cilic can win Wimbledon'

There is never a dull moment when you are with Goran Ivanisevic. The charismatic Croat is still remembered for his attacking game and volcanic serve, and even more for his explosive temper, which led to occasional breaking of racquets. At 43, he, perhaps, is a mellowed version of his past but carries with him the sharp wit and blunt words. Coaching his compatriot Marin Cilic, he was quick to admit, he found tougher than playing tennis.

Neither did he deny how difficult it was for him to keep his composure during Cilic’s match. “It is tough but I try. I don’t have any racquets to break there! You have to believe in your player. But I am also not Ivan Lendl to keep a straight face throughout,” he quipped.

Ivanisevic, though, is fiercely proud and protective of his protégé who went on to win the 2014 US Open. Ivanisevic, who won the 2001 Wimbledon as a wildcard, believes Cilic has in him to win his favourite Grand Slam.

“For me it (Wimbledon) is the biggest tournament, most famous Grand Slam of all four. I still don’t know how I did it (his win in 2011), I still can’t explain. When I was supposed to win it earlier I didn’t, but luckily I did it. It is nice to have my name there,” said Ivanisevic who was the runner-up at the championships in 1992, 1994 and 1998. He was here to promote the grassroot programme Road to Wimbledon.

Cilic has missed the season so far because of a right shoulder injury, but will be seen in action from next week. “I think he is going to play next week in Monte Carlo, I am going there on Sunday. He has been serving without pain since the last four days which is good news,” he said.

“As a coach I can say that he has a good game to win Wimbledon because the grass is not like before, fast. It has more similar speed like that of hard courts. If he is healthy and confident, then why not.”

The towering Croat is still in love with tennis but rues the reluctance of current players to come to the net. “Earlier players were coming to net because the speed of the grass forced them to. But even if we quicken the courts tomorrow, nobody will come to the net anyway because in their head they are not supposed to come to the net,” he said.

“We asked the Indian juniors yesterday that how many of them came to net in a match. Hardly anyone, which is ridiculous. I also tell Marin to go close to net and don’t be scared. He is never going to be a serve and volleye but I still push him to be aggressive.”