Marin Cilic may lack the flamboyance of Goran Ivanisevic but he is one win away from emulating his fellow Croatian and winning Wimbledon.
Cilic reached a first Wimbledon final Friday when he beat Sam Querrey 6-7 (6) 6-4 7-6 (3) 7-5, giving credence to those who thought the world No. 6 was a legitimate contender before the grass-court major began.
And if he faces Roger Federer on Sunday — the seven-time champion and heavy crowd favorite — he shouldn’t be discounted since he held match points on the Swiss when they met in the 2016 quarterfinals. Federer plays Tomas Berdych in the second semifinal, holding an 18-6 record against the 2010 finalist.
Cilic has also defeated Federer at a major, en route to his lone grand slam success at the 2014 US Open.
Ivanisevic coached Cilic back then, with the 28-year-old giving him credit for bringing a relaxed vibe to his team — and successfully tinkering with his serve.
Ivanisevic, memorably, won Wimbledon in 2001, edging Patrick Rafter in a five-set classic.
Cilic struck 25 aces against the American and in truth, could have won in three sets. After all, he led the first-set tiebreak 4-1. He also blew a break lead in the third but eventually won it in a tiebreak.
He was always the one pressuring his opponent — and didn’t pay for squandering break points.
But perhaps playing three five-setters had taken a toll on the 28th-ranked Querrey, who had upset defending champion Andy Murray on Wednesday.
Cilic improved to 5-0 against Querrey but if he does face Federer, will have to overturn a 1-6 record against the 18-time grand slam winner.