Cilic cites closed roof for loss
Print Edition
Australian Open runner-up Marin Cilic queried the decision to close the roof at Rod Laver Arena for the men’s final yesterday and said it had contributed to his slow start in defeat to Roger Federer.
Having prepared for the match exposed to the elements on a scorching hot day, Croatian Cilic lost 2-6, 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3, 1-6 in the much cooler indoor conditions in the evening match.
Federer, who trained indoors earlier in the day, wrapped up the opening set in 24 minutes as a flustered Cilic struggled to find his range.
“Throughout the tournament I played all my matches outdoors, also preparing (for) a hot day, 38 degrees,” the sixth seed and former US Open champion Cilic told reporters.
“Then (for) the first match for the final to play with the roof closed, it’s difficult.
“I have to say that decision, could it have been different?
“I guess so. I think that it was just little bit difficult to adjust, especially at the beginning.”
The retractable roofs of the main showcourts at Melbourne Park are usually kept open unless the tournament’s extreme heat policy is invoked when the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and a key humidity threshold has been surpassed.
Tournament organizers cited the ‘wet bulb globe temperature’, its humidity measure, as being above the threshold of 32.5 as the reason for the roof closure. The temperature outside, however, was 37 degrees when Cilic and Federer walked out on court.
The roof closure triggered a barrage of criticism from current and former players, with former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash saying it played right into 36-year-old Federer’s hands.
“It’s an outdoor tournament — it’s like Wimbledon. Why is the roof closed?” the Australian said. “The way Roger plays, he swings so hard at the ball and takes it so early, any wind or variation of the ball moving will take it away from him. It’s why he’s one of the best players ever indoors.”
Other players expressed similar disdain.
“I can’t believe they’ve closed the roof,” British doubles player Jamie Murray, the brother of three-time grand slam champion Andy Murray, tweeted.
“Absolutely ridiculous that the roof is closed for the Australian Open. GS are outdoor events. Yes it’s hot but the court is under shade and an evening match,” tweeted British former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski.
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