‘I love tennis too much to retire,’ says former Grand Slam champion

Marin Cilic says he has no plans to follow former rival Roger Federer into retiring from tennis any time soon.

Cilic is 33-years-old now and has enjoyed a fine career that included a US Open title. He also lost two further Grand Slam finals – both to Federer.

However, while his best days are certainly behind him, the Croatian says he has no plans to hang up his racket yet.

“I love tennis, my wife is always laughing at me, cuz’ I also watch it on TV every day,” he said at the Tel Aviv Open.

“I love competing and everything that comes with it. I’ll be involved in this game even after I retire.

“I’d also be more dedicated to my family, I have two boys now. But I will be in tennis, maybe coaching at an academy. Hopefully, it won’t happen no earlier than 4-5 years from now.”

Marin Cilic also paid his own tribute to Federer who, as with most ATP players in his era, denied Cilic far more success than his talent probably deserved.

“It’s a sad moment, sad for all the fans around the world,” Cilic said of Federer’s retirement. “Roger was such an icon, he carried tennis to incredible heights.

“I felt nervous even watching his match, I wondered if it was gonna be more of an exhibition, but they held match-point. Would’ve been great if they could win, but still it was a very emotional moment. We’re gonna miss Roger so much.”

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