Marin Cilic Becomes Lowest-Ranked Player to Win ATP Tour Title with Hangzhou Open Victory
Former US Open champion Marin Cilic made a remarkable comeback by becoming the lowest-ranked player to win an ATP Tour title at the Hangzhou Open. Cilic, who entered the tournament ranked 777th in the world, has spent much of the past two seasons sidelined due to a knee injury that required multiple surgeries.
Given a wildcard entry to compete in Hangzhou, the former world number three hadn’t won an ATP Tour match in 22 months before this week. Just days before his 36th birthday, Cilic defeated home favorite Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) to claim the title.
“It has been a difficult period for me—I lost my ranking and didn’t play much,” said Cilic, who reached a career-high ranking of third in 2018. He underwent another knee surgery in May, which he described as the “best option” to recover and return to the court.
Cilic played only two matches in 2023 and four more earlier this season before beginning his comeback on the Challenger Tour in August. The Hangzhou Open marked his return to top-level competition, where he fired 18 aces and won 84% of his first-service points against 43rd-ranked Zhang.
In an emotional post-match speech, the 2014 US Open champion dedicated his victory to his family, including his wife and two children, for their unwavering support during his recovery. “Everybody at home has been with me during this difficult period, working day by day, believing in me, pushing me, and giving me strength and spirit,” Cilic said. “This victory is not just for me, but for them. There is a small piece of this trophy for everyone.”
With this 21st career title, Cilic is set to rise 404 places in the ATP rankings, moving up to 373rd next week.
