Former US Open champion Marin Cilic defied the odds to claim the title at the Hangzhou Open, making history as the lowest-ranked player ever to win an ATP tournament. Entering the event ranked 777th in the world, Cilic hadn’t won an ATP Tour title since 2021 and was winless in tour-level matches this season, with a 0-4 record.
Cilic’s run at the 250-level tournament in China didn’t start smoothly. He dropped the first set of his opening match to Zachary Svajda, and another early exit seemed likely. However, the Croatian veteran rallied, showing flashes of the form that earned him 20 career titles, including the 2014 US Open.
Overcoming Challenges of Age and Injuries
At nearly 36 years old, Cilic has struggled with injuries and form, causing him to plummet down the rankings. Reflecting on his journey, Cilic said, “It’s been a difficult period for me, in these last 20 months. I’ve lost my ranking, I didn’t play too much.” Despite these setbacks, he was granted a wild card entry into the tournament—and repaid the organizers by winning the title.
A Victory Against the Odds
Cilic’s triumph in Hangzhou is a remarkable reminder of his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, even when the odds are stacked against him. This title win not only ends his drought but also cements his place in ATP history as the lowest-ranked player to ever capture a tournament crown.
Det blir en stor mulighet, jeg håper fremtiden blir lys.