Marin Cilic’s only Grand Slam triumph came at the 2014 US Open, and his coach played a significant role in the victory.
Cilic began working with former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic in September 2013. Under Ivanisevic’s tutelage, Cilic enjoyed the most successful spell of his career before the pair split in 2016.
The highlight of their partnership came at the 2014 US Open, where Cilic defeated Kei Nishikori to win his first and last major title.
Following his victory, an exuberant Cilic paid tribute to his coach, noting a piece of advice he had received from Ivanisevic during his two weeks in New York.
Goran Ivanisevic told Marin Cilic ‘not to think too much’
Cilic’s victory in New York was a shock to the tennis community in the context of the period in which he won.
After all, the Grand Slam tournaments during this period were largely dominated by Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
However, Cilic produced a remarkable run, defeating Federer in the semi-final and Kei Nishikori in the final.
After the final, Cilic noted the importance of Goran Ivanisevic’s influence in helping him achieve US Open glory.
Cilic said to Sky Sports: “Probably one of the most important [pieces of] advice Goran gave me in this tournament was not to think too much.”
“‘Toss the ball, hit it, play your game, be aggressive and try to be relaxed. You’re going to miss a lot but you’re going to make a lot if you’re going for it.’
“I felt that I was playing the right way and it happened like that. There are no words for it.”
What did Marin Cilic say about Goran Ivanisevic when they parted ways?
In 2016, on Cilic’s website [www.marin-cilic.net], the Croat announced he and Ivanisevic had parted ways.
As per TNT Sports, Cilic said: “I am no longer working with my coach Goran Ivanisevic.
“We have started to work together in September 2013, and we had a lot of success during that period, especially winning the US Open in 2014.
“It was a huge privilege to work with Goran. I enjoyed our work all this time, and Goran helped me to reach many goals.
“Unfortunately, the road we were sharing on this journey is separating, and I wish only the best for Goran in the future.”
