AO Day Nine: Unflappable

From Andy’s press conference:

Q. What are your impressions of him as a young player coming through?

ANDY RODDICK: He keeps it together real well. Unlike a lot of the young guys who are very emotionally up and down, he doesn’t beat on his chest, he stays the course, he’s very deliberate, he hits the ball very well. Doesn’t give an inch on the baseline. He literally sets up shop right behind the baseline and isn’t going to be moved.

That’s something to be dealt with when you’re out there.

Q. In terms of the young players you’ve seen coming through this game, his ability to get through the fifth sets, be unflappable, resilient, where would you put him in the group of young players you’ve seen in the game?

ANDY RODDICK: Oh, I don’t know. He’s definitely composed. I mean, I don’t know where to rank people ’cause, you know…

I mean, he was the same after he lost two sets as when he won two sets. I think that will definitely serve him well over the course of his career. I feel like, you know, there’s a lot to like about him. He just goes about his business, does it the right way, and seems like a very hard worker. You know, like you said, he doesn’t give you any encouragement, like the feeling you’re on top of him, even though I probably was for a little while.

From Marin’s:

Q. Andy said as a 21‑year‑old he was impressed with your composure. Is that something you’ve worked on or are you naturally relaxed?

MARIN CILIC: No, not really that I particularly worked on that. I’m like that naturally. And definitely it helps me to think about things that I have to do on the court, not to be upset about myself or something like that. I think one positive area in my game.

[…]

Q. Why are you playing such good tennis?

MARIN CILIC: ‘Cause I’m a good player (smiling).