Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Marin Cilic praised Roger Federer for becoming the oldest world number one after defeating his opponent Robin Haase to enter the semi-final of the ABN Amro World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.
During a press conference, Cilic said, "Now he's in that position and I think, for tennis, it is great.
He further added, "The players now in the last, maybe 10 years, have pushed the border of playing a little bit longer... he shows also the example that you can still improve at the age that he is."
Marin Cilic, speaking ahead of the Rio Open which begins on February 19, has referred to Roger Federer's achievement as "an amazing achievement."
He said, "I believe that every player, if he has a chance, should think in that way."
Cilic said his ultimate goal is to follow in Federer's footsteps and reach the top of the men's singles rankings.
.@cilic_marin congratulates @rogerfederer on becoming World No.1:
"It's an amazing achievement for him. He put himself in the position to be number one again. For tennis it's great. He is an example that you can still improve in the age that he is". #RioOpen pic.twitter.com/t7rapQiu7P
— Rio Open (@RioOpenOficial) February 16, 2018