Marin Cilic Wins Hangzhou Open in Stunning Comeback

Marin Cilic the former US Open champion made a remarkable comeback by winning the Hangzhou Open becoming the lowest-ranked player to claim an ATP Tour title. Starting the tournament ranked 777th in the world, the Croatian had spent most of the last two years recovering from a knee injury that required multiple surgeries. This victory marked his first ATP Tour match win in 22 months.

Given a wildcard entry, Cilic defeated China’s Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-5) just four days before turning 36. The win was an emotional one for Cilic, who acknowledged the challenges he faced during his recovery. He had his latest knee surgery in May which he described as the “best option” to resolve his issues and return to the court. Cilic began his road to recovery in August on the Challenger Tour, a level below the main ATP circuit.

He then stepped up to compete in the Hangzhou Open. In the final, he delivered a strong performance, hitting 18 aces and winning 84% of his first-service points against the 43rd-ranked Zhang. In his post-match speech, Cilic dedicated the win to his family, crediting them for their unwavering support during his difficult journey.

He expressed gratitude to his wife and children, saying, “I’m happy to make this victory, not just for me, but for them. For everyone there is a small piece of this trophy.” This victory, Marin Cilic’s 21st career title will see him rise 404 places in the ATP rankings to 373 next week further solidifying his inspiring return to professional tennis.