Former US Open champion Marin Cilic made a triumphant return to Wimbledon after a three-year absence, stunning British favorite Jack Draper in a thrilling second-round match.
A Grand Slam Champion’s Comeback
Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion and a former world No. 3, has been a significant name in tennis for years. Despite his impressive resume, which also includes a Wimbledon final appearance, he started 2024 ranked outside the top 1000 after being unranked for a period.
His return to the grass courts of SW19 marks his first appearance since 2021, and he certainly made it count. Cilic rolled back the years with a powerful performance that ended Jack Draper’s tournament early.
Draper on Cilic’s Dominance
Cilic’s victory over Draper was a hard-fought 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 encounter. Even Draper himself acknowledged the veteran’s impressive display.
“He’s been Top 10 for many, many years. He’s always been someone who’s just been the ultimate pro and can play incredible,” Draper stated, admitting he rarely faces players who can “completely bully” him off the court. Cilic’s statistics backed this up, with a remarkable 53 winners compared to Draper’s 29.
The Arduous Road Back
To reach this level again, Cilic endured a challenging journey. After undergoing knee surgery in 2023 for meniscus and cartilage damage, his ranking plummeted, forcing him to compete on the Challenger Circuit – a rare sight for a Grand Slam champion with nearly $32 million in prize money.
This period of grinding on the second-tier circuit was crucial for regaining match fitness and confidence. Cilic’s dedication to rehabilitation and his refusal to give up on his career paid off, as he slowly worked his way back into the top 100, winning two Challenger titles along the way.
His recent victory at the Nottingham Challenger tournament provided valuable grass-court practice, setting him up perfectly for his Wimbledon campaign.
A Renewed Spark and Confidence
“Considering everything that happened in last two, three years… all the time there was this spark of desire and feeling that my level is still there,” Cilic shared, reflecting on his difficult period. He added that he has been playing pain-free for the past eight or nine months, a testament to his recovery.
The veteran feels his game is at a very high level right now. “Last several weeks I’ve been playing really well,” he said, expressing confidence in his ability to go further in the tournament. His determined spirit and exceptional form promise an exciting run for the seasoned champion.
- Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, made a stunning return to Wimbledon after a three-year absence.
- He defeated British hope Jack Draper, showcasing dominant play with 53 winners.
- Cilic’s comeback followed extensive knee surgery and a tough period on the Challenger Circuit to regain form.
- He has expressed renewed confidence and a pain-free return to top-level tennis.
Cilic’s impressive performance signals that the veteran still has plenty left to offer on the biggest stages of tennis.
