Cilic Bids For Second Queen’s Title, Will Meet Lopez In Final

Former champion Marin Cilic is back in the Queen’s Club final seeking a second title at the Wimbledon tune-up in London. On Saturday in the semifinals, Cilic got through the rain and a tough Gilles Muller 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 to reach his third final at the event.

“It’s just amazing to get to the final,” said Cilic who won the title in 2012 and finished runner-up in 2013. “Also considering that today’s match was an extremely high level. I was playing really, really good throughout all the match. Gilles was just pushing me to the limits.

“This week I was feeling really good on my serve and especially on the shots afterwards I was playing really well. And also against Gilles today I was mixing it up really good and just playing really well, really smart in some critical points. It’s just paying off nicely.”

Cilic lost just four points on first serve and had dropped just 10 on first serve for the event!

In the final, it will be another big-serving lefty in Feliciano Lopez. The Spaniard avenged a 2014 final loss to Grigor Dimitorv by turning the tables on the Bulgarian with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-2 victory.

“You can imagine how important it is for me to be in the final of Queen’s at this stage of my career,” said the 35-year-old Lopez. “It is one of the tournaments that you, first of all, you love. I was dreaming to play here. When I was younger I was watching Queen’s all the time and it’s one of those tournaments that you always want to play. For me, it’s so special to be in the final.

“This year hasn’t been great for me. I started the year with an injury in Australia. So it’s a gift for me to be again in a final, especially here.”

Cilic leads Lopez 5-2 including a recent win at the French Open earlier this month.

“I played him many times,” said Lopez. “I played him here last year and had a match point. I lost in the end. He’s been playing unbelievable. Today he beat Muller, one of the best players on grass. It’s a pretty impressive effort. I think Marin is also a great grass-court player. He plays good everywhere, but on grass he’s especially good. I have to keep it up with my level, with the way I’m playing, and wait for my chances.”

Cilic seeks an 18th title while Lopez bids for a 6th.