Marin Cilic ‘unreal level’ against Roger Federer, unforgettable ATP debut | ATP Tour

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Cilic on ‘unreal level’ against Federer, unforgettable ATP debut

The Croatian speaks to ATPTour.com after seeking his 600th career victory

February 11, 2026

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

In which victory did the former number 3 player in the PIF ATP Rankings play his best tennis?

“I have to say, I play Roger [Federer] in the US Open semis it was unreal. Also, Rafa [Nadal] at the Australian Open,” said Cilic.

Cilic earned one of his two Lexus ATP Head2Head victories against Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals of the 2018 Australian Open. But the match the 21-time tour-ranked champion spoke of first was his famous 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Roger Federer in the 2014 US Open final four.

Not only did Cilic not beat Federer again, but he took advantage of the opportunity to beat Kei Nishikori in his only major title.

“I would say that was one of the best contacts I had in terms of both my skills, playing on the court, feeling the ball, feeling the conditions,” said Cilic. “And playing with instinct, being relaxed, playing with instinct and everything going well. That was pure – just, pure tennis.”

Ironically, the match after Cilic’s win over Student Tien on Tuesday in Dallas was between Alex Michelsen and Grigor Dimitrov. Michelsen’s coach, Kristof Vliegen, was Cilic’s opponent in his first ATP Tour match more than 20 years ago. Vliegen defeated Cilic 7-5, 6-2 in 2005 in Umag.

“I remember that I felt free before the match. Everything was going well. And I’m preparing for the match, without emotions,” said Cilic. “But when we warmed up during the game and the announcer announced me in front of a packed stadium in Croatia, I got a big reception and a big round of applause there.

My legs were gone, I couldn’t feel my legs.

Cilic remembers well the conditions that existed that day in his country, where he entered the ATP tournament at the age of 16.

“We were playing in the brutal heat of Umag and I still remember that it was one of the hardest days when I was young,” said Cilic. “When I finished the first set, I was looking for the referee to get me medical help and I saw him.

“Everything was dark, so it was an interesting experience, but it was good.”

Now 37, Cilic stands alone with Djokovic (1,168) as the only active men with 600 tour-level wins. Given the level of respect he has for Serbia, it makes the achievement even more special.

“Absolutely, but he’s a long way off,” Cilic said, scoffing. “We are very impressed with the longevity we have had in our careers and the many years we have been on the Tour. We have had some very good seasons.

“You have hard times, you go through a lot of things. But the passion, the passion, the grit stays and that helped me get to this point.”