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Federer, Cilic: world No. 2 favorite to win 2018 Australian Open

By Harry Floyd

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd after winning his semi-final match against Hyeon Chung of South Korea on day 12 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Roger Federer of Switzerland waves to the crowd after winning his semi-final match against Hyeon Chung of South Korea on day 12 of the 2018 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) /
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Federer Cilic is this year’s finals in men’s singles at the Australian Open. The defending champion Roger Federer looks to add a 20th Grand Slam title.

Roger Federer is the favorite to win the 2018 Australian Open. He faces Marin Cilic for a chance at his 20th career Grand Slam singles title.

Early lines for the championship match heavily favor Federer. The world No. 2 has lost to the Croatian tennis star just once throughout his ATP World Tour career. Federer is 8-1 against Cilic.

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After ousting South Korean Hyeon Chung, the Swiss superstar continued his perfect run so far at Melbourne park. Federer has not dropped even one set so far at the 2018 Australian Open. He enters the finals as though he was destined to be there from the very start.

Cilic is seeking his first ever Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park. A former US Open men’s singles champion, the Croatian is looking for his second carer Grand Slam win. A title in Melbourne would keep him in conversation with current greats on the ATP World Tour. Last year, Cilic reached the world No. 4 ranking and has continued his fine play right into the start of the new year.

Federer and Cilic square off for the title at Melbourne Park.

With top seed and world No. 1 Rafael Nadal out of the mix, Cilic has risen to the occasion. He knocked out Nadal before moving past Kyle Edmund in the semifinals. His match with Federer could prove to be the biggest of his career.

Next: Top 10: Men's Singles Tennis

At 29-years-old, Cilic has the experience necessary to take the title at the Australian Open. He will, however, need to be at his best against Federer. The Swiss great has been a heavy favorite to win at Melbourne Park since the start of the major tournament. That does not change as he enters the finals this weekend. If he can take yet another Grand Slam title, look for the world No. 2 to reach the top ranking and maintain it for much of the upcoming ATP World Tour. Especially if Nadal is sidelined at all due to injury, Federer could capitalize on his absence in the coming months. Stay tuned to see how the finals action unfolds at Melbourne Park between Federer and Cilic.

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