Jack Draper gives worrying update on future Wimbledon prospects as he admits he can't play on grass
And though he denied he buckled under the weight of a nation, he praised legendary Andy Murray for how he managed to win the Championship twice in front of home fans.
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The No4 seed went down 6-4 6-3 1-6 6-4 in two hours and 38 minutes.
Draper, 23, said: 'I'm very frustrated. Obviously, really upset. Probably one of the toughest losses I feel.
'I thought Cilic played an incredible match from start to finish. Didn't let up. He deserved the win. But it hurts a lot.
'It's highlighted to me this year that I really struggled on the grass in all honesty.
'I felt great on the hard and clay. There weren't many holes in my game – whereas as soon as I came onto the grass, I felt a big difference.
'It's just something I've got to keep in mind, how I'm going to develop my game for the long-term for next year. Just to get better as a player.
'For sure, it highlighted a lot of weaknesses in my game.
'I mean it makes me think that Andy's achievement of what he did, winning here twice, just unbelievable.
'It's not the pressure. I just didn't play good enough. I lost to a better player.
'I just wasn't able to find the level I wanted. I came up short.
'The hole in my forehand showed up. I wasn't able to deal with his pace of ball into my forehand. I was over-spinning a lot.
'I've still got a lot of areas that I need to improve in my game.
'There's a bit of a misconception, just because I'm a 6ft 4ins lefty, I must be incredible on grass. I haven't had loads of experience on it.'
Former US Open champion and 2017 Wimbledon runner-up Cilic, 36, said: 'The emotions are just incredible.
"Where I was two years ago, I cannot even describe. It's been a long journey.
'I never lost any doubt. It was long and testing. It's incredible to win this. Thanks to the crowd for great sportsmanship.'
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