Marin Cilic's first ATP title in nearly three years was a remarkable moment, and the Croatian has skyrocketed up the rankings as a result.
Cilic's level during his prime was among the best outside Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, regarded by most as the three greatest players ever. Their presence did not stop him from achieving phenomenal success.
The 35-year-old's best moment was winning the 2014 US Open title. His run included a stunning semifinal triumph against Roger Federer, whose agent recently hinted at an exhibition match with Rafael Nadal.
Cilic beat Kei Nishikori in straight sets in the final to secure the title. He completed an unexpected run to glory that demonstrated how dangerous his powerful serve and groundstrokes are when they click.
The Croatian reached two more Grand Slam finals afterward, but Federer got his revenge for the US Open loss on both occasions. He crushed Cilic in straight sets in the 2017 Wimbledon final.
Cilic's five-set defeat to Federer in the 2018 Australian Open final was much closer. There was also controversy about the match being moved indoors, which some felt helped Federer during the contest.
A run to the semifinals of the 2022 French Open at the age of 33 showed how well Cilic continued to play for years after his major finals. His longevity was already impressive at that stage of his career.
However, Cilic was largely absent for nearly two years after injuring his knee in January 2023. He attempted a comeback at the Umag Open on clay in July of that year, but a long hiatus followed.
Cilic attempted another comeback on clay at February's Argentina Open but was absent for another six months after that. Many felt his chances of returning were doomed, and it was time for Cilic to retire.
But the 35-year-old refused to give up. He returned in August on the ATP Challenger Tour, still determined to prove that he could get himself fit and compete effectively after everything he had been through.
Cilic's resilience was rewarded with an incredible run at the Hangzhou Open. He entered the tournament as the world No. 777 and needed a wild card to compete in the main draw in China.
The 2014 US Open champion stunned fans by becoming the lowest-ranked ATP title winner ever after beating Zhizhen Zhang. He overcame Zachary Svajda, Yoshihito Nishioka, Yasutaka Uchiyama, and Brandon Nakashima to make the final.
Cilic's run to glory in Hangzhou is one of the most uplifting stories of 2024, and he will feel even better after seeing his ranking take an unprecedented jump after winning the ATP 250 event.
The three-time Grand Slam finalist rose 565 places to No. 212. Cilic will aspire to get his ranking much higher than that, but flying up the rankings so quickly after one tournament is a great start.
He is scheduled to meet Kei Nishikori in the first round of the Japan Open, a repeat of the 2014 US Open. Hopefully, Cilic will not withdraw after his efforts in Hangzhou, and fans will be treated to an entertaining battle between the two veterans.
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