Federer defeats Cilic in Wimbledon 2017 final

The Swiss player won 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his 19th Grand Slam title.

Roger Federer became the first man to win Wimbledon eight times with this victory. It took the "Express Train" just one hour and 41 minutes to overcome seventh seed Marin Cilic. Federer went through seven matches in this year's tournament without dropping a set. At 35, he is the oldest man to win Wimbledon in the Open era.

Cilic started the final with an aggressive style of play, making things difficult for Federer in the Swiss's first service games. Federer faced his first break of the match in the fourth game but saved it after a sloppy return of serve in the second game.

Both players had poor first serves in the first four games. While Federer was successful 70% of the time, Cilic was only successful 46%. Federer had two double faults while he had only made 12 in the previous six games.

Federer and his eighth Wimbledon Championship. Photo: Reuters.

Federer came to the net for the first time in the match in game five and a tricky backhand gave him three break points. Cilic saved one but a forehand that dropped just short of the baseline gave Federer the first break of the match.

Cilic's problem was that his first-serve success rate was too low, at just 51 percent in the first set. In the ninth game, Federer hit a cross-court backhand winner to lead 40-30. Cilic saved the break point and the set, but an unforced error put him under pressure again. This time, the Croatian double-faulted and Federer won the first set in 36 minutes.

Federer was still in complete control in the second set. He won his first service game and then broke early to lead 2-0 despite his opponent's first two aces of the match. Cilic was under a lot of pressure on the court at this point and the 2014 US Open champion burst into tears as he sat on a bench while the doctor came on to treat his sore leg.

Cilic burst into tears in the second set due to injury. Photo: Reuters.

Wiping away his tears and returning to the court, Cilic won the first game of the second set. But Federer still played very solidly, not giving his opponent a chance. "Express Train" won a long rally in game six and then scored a backhand winner to have a chance to break. An unsuccessful volley at the net by Cilic caused him to be broken for the second time. Federer won the next service game to lead 2-0.

Cilic spent time talking to the doctor and therapist before the third set. He was given time off to allow the doctor to tend to the injury to his left leg. The Croatian won the first two service games but his expression was one of frustration and disappointment. The crowd cheered him on but he could not regain his focus.

Cilic's first-round serve success rate began to improve, but Federer had a solid day. Two unforced errors from Cilic gave Federer two break points in game seven and the Swiss took the lead. An ace and two tricky first-serve winners gave Federer two match points. Cilic saved one but the eighth ace of the match put the 'Express Train' on the verge of an eighth Wimbledon title.

It is Federer's fifth title of the year, following his triumphs at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami and Halle, including two Grand Slams. It moves him up to number three in the world when the ATP rankings are updated early next week. Before this month, Federer last won Wimbledon in 2012.

According to VNE