Croatian tennis player Marin Cilic shared his emotions from the start of the St. Petersburg Open, confessed his love for Russia, and also spoke about his impressions of the architecture of St. Petersburg.
– Can you compare what the tournament was like in 2011 and now?
– Yes, in 2011 I took the title in St. Petersburg. In general, I have tremendous memories of this tournament. In 2007, playing here, I first entered the hundred – then it was a great achievement. Then the victory in 2011 at a great tournament in the big Olympic arena. I remember how I played with Mikhail Youzhny – in the semifinals, I think. Memories are just wonderful. It's also great to return to Petersburg now. The tournament takes place in a more modern arena, everything is a little different, but the feeling is still amazing.
– You always play well in Russia. Can you explain to us why this is happening?
– Both Moscow and St. Petersburg can be considered my second home. Overall, I won four titles in Zagreb, two in Moscow and one in St. Petersburg. Plus, last week I played the final in Moscow again, the semi-final in St. Petersburg in 2007. What can I say? I just love Russia!
– How has Petersburg changed over the past ten years, in your opinion?
– I have to say, this city generally has a wow effect. The architecture is amazing. My wife's sister is an architect. Last night we had a joint video call, and I said that they should come and see Petersburg with their own eyes. This is a place with an incredible history that is simply beautiful. I would say that the whole city is like one big museum. My big dream is to come here someday in the summer, I am sure it would be a great experience.
Recall that in the first round of the tournament in St. Petersburg, Cilic defeated the Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas. In the second round, the Croat will meet with the Russian Karen Khachanov.