Former U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic became the lowest-ranked men’s winner in the Open Era (since 1968) and won his first ATP Tour championship in almost three years.
Despite starting the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open in China ranked world No. 777, Cilic defeated sixth seed and hometown favourite Zhang Zhizhen 7-6(5), 7-6(5).
The 35-year-old wildcard was playing in his first tour-level match since Buenos Aires in February. Cilic, though, played well the entire time he was at the ATP 250, dropping just two sets to become the lowest-ranked winner in ATP Tour history.
Cilic said during the trophy ceremony: “Thank you to my family, my boys, and my wife. Everyone who has been with me in this difficult period. Working with me day by day, pushing me and giving me strength and spirit. I am so happy and proud to make this victory not only for me but for them too.”
After missing several months of 2024 with a knee injury, Cilic has now won 21 titles at the tour level and 13 seasons overall. In the PIF ATP Rankings, he has won 16 hard-court titles and is now ranked No. 212.
Marin Cilic in 2024
Now ranked no.373, Marin played his last match on the 24th of September when he overcame world no.43 Zhizhen Zhang 7-6(5) 7-6(5) in the final in Hangzhou to win his 20th career title.
At present, during this year Marin has managed to achieve a composed 8-6 win-loss record. The Croatian has won 1 title in Hangzhou.
Marin Cilic will face the world no.201 Pablo Carreno-Busta in the . Their record is 5-1 for Cilic.
Cilic clinched 1 title in 2024 in Hangzhou.
Marin won 20 titles in his career: 6 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts, 9 on indoor courts and 3 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Marin Cilic |
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