Marin Cilic lost a tough match against Novak Djokovic in the Cincinnati Masters semifinals, in three sets (6-4 3-6 6-3) after two hours and 33 minutes. In press conference, Cilic praised Djokovic and also complained for how the schedule was made. 'When you get into the match with him, I know that he's gonna be mentally very strong', Cilic recognized.

'Also moving-wise, returning-wise, as well, he's one of the best guys on the tour with that. He plays every point really, really tough. He had obviously some misses today and he, on some occasions, slowed it up and down.

That's due to conditions. It was very hot. The court was playing also fast. But still I know that mentally and physically he's gonna be there and you need to take it away from him; not, I don't think on many occasions, he's going to give it to you.

I also want to say that the tournament wasn't in my favor also putting me on three matches on Stadium 3. The conditions are completely different there. I would have preferred at least that I played one match on grandstand, which I feel is much more similar to center court.

I felt I was just slightly in a disadvantage just starting the match like that and maybe took me a little bit more adjustment to do at the beginning of the match. But still not taking anything from Novak. He deserved it definitely in the end.' Cilic made a similar complaint at this year's Australian Open, as he trained on outside courts - and not on the roofed Rod Laver Arena - prior to his five-set final loss to Roger Federer.

Further analyzing his loss against Djokovic, Cilic - who won in Cincinnati his maiden Masters 1000 title two years ago - added: 'It was big battle, definitely tough conditions, very hot, very humid, very different than all the matches that I have played here this week.

It wasn't easy to adjust in that from the beginning of the match. Second set was very good quality from my side. I was serving really well, returning well. I think Novak just dropped the level a bit, and I lifted. That was the case.

And third set, especially those first six, seven games, was high-quality tennis from both sides. I was serving really well, probably best serving performance in the week in that third set. And still, he made a few unbelievable deep returns, couple points he played unbelievably well from defense, and passing on the break point was just nothing wrong with that.

But just amazing performance by him. In those critical points he lifted in those moments, and that earned him the victory. But definitely hats off to him for a big battle. But I'm also quite satisfied with the performance. It was, as I said, very grueling conditions.

I stayed in there for two-and-a-half hours, and not much was separating us. Definitely a tough match for both.' ALSO READ: Roger Federer: 'Nobody should be feeling sorry for me or Rafael Nadal'