Wimbledon 2017: Marin Cilic v Roger Federer Men’s Final Preview & Betting

Sunday 16th July. 1PM. BBC One

The highlight of the summer 2017 has arrived, and fans from around the globe will be tuning in to see what could well be a truly historic afternoon from SW19.

It’s Roger Federer who will be gunning for a record-breaking title, but Marin Cilic won’t make it easy as he bids to become the first Croat since Goran Ivanisevic to reign supreme on Centre Court. Two warriors of the sport will enter the showdown, but only one can lift the famous trophy.

Prepare yourselves for a thriller.

Can Cilic Cause An Upset?

The headlines ahead of Sunday’s showdown have been dominated by his opponent, but the world number six won’t be fussed about that as he bids for a second Grand Slam in his first final at Wimbledon.

Cilic may have escaped both Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray en route to the final, but he’s still put in some great performances against he likes of Roberto Bautista Agut and Gilles Muller. Meanwhile, coming back to win 3-1 after losing the first set of his semi-final against Sam Querrey on a tie-break underlines the immense quality and spirit that he boasts.

The Croat was picked as an outsider by several ex-pros, so perhaps his first final at SW19 shouldn’t come as a major shock. Still, his hopes of beating the man that defeated him in last year’s quarter-final remain slim in most people’s viewing.

Nonetheless, the 28-year-old has proven himself to be one of the few players clipping at the heels of the big four. Will this be a major moment in the changing of the guard? Not if Federer can help it.

Fed Express To Deliver Vintage Display?

Having previously gone four full seasons without a Grand Slam title, the greatest male player to ever lift a racket roared his way to an 18th crown at this year’s Australian Open. Managing his time in 2016 certainly paid off, and it looks like missing Roland Garros earlier in the summer may pay dividends too.

The Swiss phenomenon has turned back the hands of time to race his way to a record 11th Wimbledon final and, having previously lost to Novak Djokovic in 2014 and 2015, he’ll be confident about ending his five-year wait for an eight title in London. And if he does, he’ll also set a new record for oldest male winner of the Open era.

Federer has been simply sensational en route to Sunday’s final, underling his quality with a straight sets semi-final win over Tomas Berdych in spite of being pushed to the edge in all three. The quality, experience, and genuine class that the world number five oozes is apparent in every point, and that could have a massive say on Centre Court.

Whether he writes history or not, we can expect to see another quality performance from the greatest player to ever play on grass. It should be a thrilling final.

Marin Cilic v Roger Federer Betting

It almost feels inevitable that Roger Federer will achieve yet another piece of history at SW19 and is priced 1/6 to lift a record eight crown with 888sport. Despite being the 9/2 underdog, Cilic will be quietly optimistic about causing a major upset.

While Cilic has been brilliant en route to booking his first Wimbledon final, the Croat has certainly made things tougher than Federer, who has yet to drop a set.

The Swiss star won’t expect to have things easy, and we can see Cilic picking up a set. Nonetheless, Fed Express should take his already legendary status to another level.

The problem for Cilic is that Federer has shown no sign of letting the lead slip once he gets his nose in front.

We’re backing Federer to break in one of Cilic’s opening three service games without dropping any of his own. At 13/5, take a 4-2 scoreline after six games.