Roger Federer goes for Grand Slam #20 at the 2018 Australian Open, he’ll be opposite Marin Cilic, who is seeking a second career Grand Slam title. After two weeks in Melbourne, our experts predict who will win the men’s final.
Roger Federer vs. Marin Cilic
Steen: Federer has spent less time on court than one of the women’s finalists this AO, thus he’s fresh as a daisy and has played some fantastic tennis over the past few matches. Cilic will be his toughest opponent of the tournament, and the Croat has risen up in his own right, but this is a tough ask for Cilic, and I don’t see him being able to rise to the occasion. Federer in 4
Yesh: We’re looking at a rematch of last year’s Wimbledon final, which ended up as an easy Federer victory. Federer has not faced any adversity in this tournament–he has yet to lose a set. Cilic, on the other hand, isn’t playing quite as well, though he should be less weary than he was going into that Wimbledon final. This has some upset potential here, but the smart pick is to take Federer to repeat as champion. Federer in 3
James: Roger Federer has had one of the best tournaments of his illustrious career this past fortnight. He has looked relaxed and unfazed either by the Melbourne heat, or by his opponents. Federer will look to keep the points short during the match, and use his slice, drop shots, and volleys to disrupt Cilic’s rhythm. Cilic has had a tremendous tournament as well, taking command of the baseline against Nadal and Edmund, which is an incredible feat. Cilic is younger and, arguably, fitter than Federer. But in a close game of fine margins, experience and variety in shot making will decide the outcome. Federer in 5
Brett: This is just too good of an opportunity for Roger Federer to let slip. He’s playing great coming into the final and has a favorable matchup against Cilic who he’s had little trouble with in the past. I can, unfortunately, see this match being similar to their one-sided Wimbledon final. Federer wins the Australian Open for the sixth time in his career. Federer in 3
Vithun: The first set will be very important. If Cilic loses it, then I see no hope for him winning. This is because I think Tomas Berdych was playing better than Cilic has been playing and even he wasn’t able to win the 1st set of Federer when it was easily doable. Personally, I don’t rate Marin Cilic as anywhere close to the other active Grand Slam champions and I expect Federer to give him another reality check, just like at Wimbledon last year. Federer in 3
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