Djokovic a week before Wimbledon and, if it was just losing against Marin Cilic in the final of the Fever‑Tree Championship, he might return from a few days at home in Monte Carlo refreshed and ready to go again.It was tough to tell, though, as his voice dipped in the immediate aftermath of Cilic’s 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3 win in just under three hours on a warm Sunday afternoon at the Queen’s Club.
The Serb left Roland Garros thoroughly drained after losing in the quarter‑finals, unsure if he would even play at Wimbledon, and all week here he has fended off questions about his downbeat mood. “I wouldn’t say I’m a contender for a trophy or anything like that,” Djokovic said. “I have to keep my expectation very low, considering my results in the last 12 months.” It was not all gloom, of course, and he bridled when asked if winning a grand slam after a two-year drought would count among his best achievements: “It’s what I’m playing for.”
Cilic, whose determination has not always matched his considerable talent, heads for Wimbledon with spirits high and excellent prospects of reaching the final there again after the huge disappointment of surrendering to foot blisters and the brilliance of Roger Federer in the 2017 final.Beating Djokovic, the former world No 1, for only the second time in 16 matches put the broadest of smiles on the face of Cilic, who saved a match point in the second set and held his nerve admirably in the third.
Djokovic said courtside: “That was a great comeback. He deserved to win. It’s a tough loss but I have to see it from a positive side. I haven’t been in any finals for a year, so this felt great. It came at the right time ahead of Wimbledon, the most prestigious tournament in the world, and I’ve had the fortune to win it three times.”
The winner’s upbeat demeanour seemed more convincing. “Novak had such a great week, and it’s really good to see him coming back so well, health‑wise, playing at the top level,” Cilic said.“Last year I had a match point and couldn’t convert it, this year it was Novak. I definitely am relieved. I’ve waited six years to win again.”That was by default in 2012, when David Nalbandian had a brain fade, accidentally injuring a line judge when he kicked the advertising box around his legs. There was no such angst here, but plenty of tension.
There was a time when Djokovic would rip open his shirt, eyes blazing, and beat his chest as if he were about to explode. Then, as he sought peace of mind away from the court, his serving elbow began to ache to the point of distraction, he withdrew from the Tour in despair. At 31, he does not appear to have shaken off all the demons.
Djokovic should not be discounted at Wimbledon, though, especially in light of Federer’s first defeat on grass in 21 matches at Halle on Sunday – missing out on his 99th career title by losing 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-2 against Croatia’s Borna Coric in the Gerry Weber Open final – and the struggles of his long‑time peers Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka and, on grass at least, Rafael Nadal. But serving a double-fault at 4-3 in the tie-break seemed to take the wind out of him, when he once would have gritted his teeth and found a way to prevail.
Cilic arrived here with a proud record on the Queen’s Club grass. This was his fourth final in 12 visits. As Nick Kyrgios said before losing against him in the semi-finals, Cilic will be among the favourites at Wimbledon. “If he serves well and he’s physically feeling good, for sure,” said the Australian, who could not cope with Cilic’s precision.