Marin Cilic produced a vintage performance as he stunned Daniil Medvedev at the French Open to reach the quarterfinals.
Cilic, a former US Open champion as well as Australian Open and Wimbledon finalist, has faded form the top of the sport in recent years.
However, he reminded everyone just how much quality he has as he dismantled Medvedev 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Monday.
“It was an absolutely fantastic match, from the first point until the last,” Cilic said. “I enjoyed the atmosphere, I enjoy the night sessions here.
“I played incredible tennis, one of the best matches of my career, from start to finish, and I just enjoyed being here.
“We only have one opportunity to play this sport so I try to always give my best, even when things don’t go my way.
“When you’re working hard and when you’re really persistent, really consistent with your training, good things come. It’s a great feeling to be playing again like this.”
Cilic’s performance also impressed former British number one Tim Henman, who described it as ‘perfect.’
“I was so impressed with all aspects of Cilic’s game,” Henman told Eurosport.
“He was the one who was looking to get in the court and dictate the rallies. It was relentless. He never gave Medvedev any opportunity to get into the match. His serving was exceptional.
“He played such a perfect match. For Medvedev not to have a break point chance in a best-of-five set match you have to be serving pretty well.”
Marin Cilic, who is now 33-years-old, will now play Andrey Rublev in the last eight for the right to play Holger Rune or Casper Ruud in the semi-finals.
More must-reads: