An assured Marin Cilic is targeting a charge towards lifting the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals trophy at The O2 Arena in London having flourished under the guidance of coach Jonas Bjorkman.
The seventh seed has enjoyed a strong second half to the 2016 season, clinching his first ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, in Cincinnati in August, where he beat Andy Murray in the final, and then a first ATP World Tour 500 title, in Basel last month.
The 28-year-old has hailed the impact of the former singles No. 4 and nine-time doubles Grand Slam champion since they struck up a partnership in August.
“Starting my relationship with Jonas, he is a very different personality to Goran (Ivanisevic); he’s very positive and motivated,” Cilic said. “I guess that can help me to be more emotional on the court, more motivated. I think with my own game that has helped to be more consistent week in and week out.”
Cilic last played at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in 2014 but arrives back in east London under different circumstances. Back in 2014 the towering Croatian had secured a maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open, which helped book his debut at The O2 Arena.
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The current World No. 7 exited at the group stages two years ago but is confident he has prepared perfectly for his return to the season finale.
“I was obviously playing incredible tennis to win the US Open but comparing it to now I don’t think this year I have played as well. However I have been really, really consistent in these last five months and that is something I’m more eager to see in my tennis and career,” added Cilic. “So this time around I’m more prepared and aiming to compete at a high level.”
Newly crowned World No.1 Andy Murray is the Croatian’s opening opponent on Monday night. Cilic prevailed in their last duel to land the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophy in Cincinnati but the Scot leads their head-to-head 11-3.
“Andy has been on an amazing run. He’s going to be extremely motivated for this week,” reflected Cilic. “But for both sides it’s going to be a tough start.
“Motivation wise there isn’t much that can be better, certainly in the last few weeks there has been a lot of pressure on me and my body but hopefully everything will be fine. I just hope that I’m going to continue my good form from these last few months with some good tennis.”