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We will get more 1st time Grand Slam champions: Marin Cilic

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Dec 06 2014 | 9:10 PM IST
Marin Cilic challenged the supremacy of the 'Big Four' by cruising to the 2014 US Open title and the big serving Croat feels that the trend will only continue next season, giving more first-time Grand Slam champions to the game.
Another first-time Major winner in 2014 was Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka, who won the Australian Open.
"This is going to be the new way I think. We are surely going to see more new champions next year," said world No 9 Cilic, who is here for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL).
He said Wawrinka's triumph at Melbourne gave players knocking on the 'Big Four''s door, belief and motivation to break the barrier.
Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray are seen as the cream of men's tennis but their domination is surely being challenged strongly.
"This year Wawrinka opened the small door for me. Then you all saw what Kei Nishikori did. Likewise, Milos Raonic, Grigor Dimitrov played well this season, so we are closing the gap. Next year there will be another new Grand Slam champion for sure," said Cilic, referring to his US opponent final Nishikori, who became the first Asian male player to reach a Grand Slam singles final.

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Cilic gave his piece of mind as compatriot and coach Goran Ivanisevic sat next to him. Both the Croats are playing for UAE Royals in the IPTL.
Ivanisevic was expectedly asked about the secret behind their successful partnership, which began just over a year ago.
"He (Cilic) didn't start the season very well but after that he played and better, trying to play the game we spoke a lot about, the aggressive game he should play. So French Open was good, Wimbledon was better and US Open I think he played something out of tennis.
"To win like that is great. Then he had the best ranking of eight. What more can you ask for," said Ivanisevic, talking about Cilic's dream run in New York where did not lose a set in quarters, semis and final.

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First Published: Dec 06 2014 | 9:10 PM IST

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