'Why is there a need to play at 11?' – Marin Cilic questions Wimbledon schedule
The 36-year-old, who went down 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), felt the conditions on No. 2 Court were substandard after overnight rain left the grass soft and unpredictable. 'It was really difficult to play on,' he said. 'You just push the ball in the middle of the court, and the ball just stays super low. It was just a struggle.'
Making matters worse, Cilic had to warm up indoors as Wimbledon's practice courts don't open until 9:30 a.m. 'I don't like to speak about the conditions. OK, I lost and everything. I have to accept it,' he said. 'But I feel bitter because why is there a need to play at 11?'
His match was the only one of eight singles contests on Monday to start that early. Play on Centre Court and No. 1 Court typically begins at least two hours later.
Despite the narrow four-set loss, Cilic — who returned to the circuit this year after two knee surgeries — was upbeat. 'I found great form, played some fantastic tennis. Even today was quite close,' said the 2017 Wimbledon runner-up. 'I have great encouragement, happiness, positive attitude, and positive outcomes out of the tournament.'
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