It had taken Marin 11 attempts to make the final at Wimbledon, the second Grand Slam final of his career.
But the Swiss maestro Roger Federer defeated him in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in Sunday’s match.
« I gave my best, and that is all I could do. I had an amazing journey here, played the best tennis of my life.”
Battling with a painful blister and facing the greatest male tennis player of all time, Marin broke down.
“It’s tough when you’re in that kind of situation. You know there is not much possibility that you’re going to win. It’s just fighting it through. That loss today, obviously, it’s a sad one. But I’m still very proud of myself for everything I did these two weeks. That’s what I’m going to take home with me.”
Marin will now focus on the U.S. hard-court season.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 16: Marin Cilic of Croatia celebrates during the Gentlemen’s Singles final against Roger Federer of Switzerland on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
xxxx on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 16, 2017 in London, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 16: Roger Federer of Switzerland and Marin Cilic of Croatia shake hands after the Gentlemen’s Singles final on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Daniel Leal-Olivas – Pool/Getty Images)