Having prepared for the match exposed to the elements on a scorching hot day, Croatian Cilic lost 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the much cooler indoor conditions in the evening match.
Federer, who trained indoors earlier in the day, wrapped up the opening set in 24 minutes as a flustered Cilic struggled to find his range and fretted about his racket tension.
“Throughout the tournament I played all my matches outdoors, also preparing (for) a hot day, 38 degrees,” the sixth seed and former US Open champion Cilic told reporters.
“Then (for) the first match for the final to play with the roof closed, it’s difficult. I have to say that decision, could it have been different?
“I guess so. I think that it was just little bit difficult to adjust, especially the beginning of the match.
“With the roof closed, it was way, way cooler than I expected. That was very, very difficult, especially for the final to be in that kind of a situation.”
Tournament organisers cited the ‘wet bulb globe temperature’, its humidity measure, as being above the threshold of 32.5 as their reason for the roof closure.
The roof closure triggered a barrage of criticism from current and former players, with former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash saying it played right into 36-year-old Federer’s hands.
“The way Roger plays, he swings so hard at the ball and takes it so early, any wind or variation of the ball moving will take it away from him. It’s why he’s one of the best players ever indoors,” the Australian said during commentary for BBC radio.
“I can’t believe they’ve closed the roof,” British doubles player Jamie Murray tweeted.
“Absolutely ridiculous that the roof is closed for the Australian Open. GS are outdoor events. Yes it’s hot but the court is under shade and an evening match,” tweeted British former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski.