Marin Cilic, at 35 years old, has made a remarkable comeback in the tennis world by winning the Hangzhou Open and becoming the lowest-ranked title winner in ATP history. Despite starting the week ranked No. 777 in the world, Cilic’s victory is a testament to his resilience and determination.

After undergoing two knee surgeries since the start of 2023, Cilic’s return to the ATP Tour in Hangzhou marked a significant milestone in his career. Before this tournament, he had only played six tour-level matches in the past 18 months, making his triumph even more impressive.

Throughout the week, Cilic showcased his skill and mental toughness by dropping just two sets in five matches, including three against seeded players. In the final against Zhang Zhizhen, Cilic managed to win crucial points in two tie-breaks to secure a 7-6(5) 7-6(5) victory.

Reflecting on his incredible achievement, Cilic expressed his pride and gratitude towards his team and family. “It’s incredible. Absolutely, absolutely incredible. I’m so proud of this achievement for myself, for my team, for my family. Everyone that was with me these past 20 months,” said Cilic. Despite acknowledging that luck played a role in the final, Cilic congratulated his opponent on a well-fought tournament.

“Both of us served incredibly well today. Not too many rallies, it can happen like this. Obviously it’s a fast court, fast tennis, and I was just a little bit luckier today,” Cilic commented after the match.

With this victory, Cilic has proven that perseverance and determination can lead to success, no matter the odds. By defying expectations and overcoming setbacks, he has cemented his place in tennis history as a champion once again.

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