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It’s easy to forget just how much Marin Cilic has achieved in tennis. A former World No. 3, 2014 US Open champion, and Wimbledon finalist in 2017, Cilic’s name once stood tall among the sport’s elite. But time, injury, and an unforgiving ranking system had all but pushed him into the shadows of the game. That was until Thursday afternoon at Wimbledon 2025, when the Croatian reminded everyone—loudly and emphatically—that he still belongs on the sport’s biggest stage.
After three long years away from the All England Club, Cilic made a triumphant return, stunning Britain’s rising star Jack Draper in four sets: 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4. It wasn’t just a win—it was a performance that echoed his peak years, complete with blistering groundstrokes, unshakable composure, and the same champion’s resolve that once saw him lift the US Open trophy.
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A Veteran in a Field of Stars
Scan the men’s singles draw at Wimbledon 2025, and three names dominate the headlines: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner. These titans of the modern game have all tasted Grand Slam glory in recent years. Yet quietly tucked into the same section of the draw is a name that, not long ago, struck fear into opponents—Marin Cilic.
Now 36, the Croatian entered this tournament not as a seeded player or a fan-favourite, but as a gritty journeyman looking to reignite his career. Ranked as low as No. 1044 earlier this year (and even unranked at one point in 2024), Cilic’s descent was largely due to a brutal knee injury in 2023 that required surgery and left his future hanging in the balance.
But the story of his return is not one of chance. It’s one of perseverance, humility, and an iron will.
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“He Took the Racquet Out of My Hands”
Cilic’s performance against Jack Draper was a masterclass in aggressive, intelligent grass-court tennis. Against a player nearly 15 years his junior, the veteran imposed his game with an almost surgical precision. He hammered 53 winners, almost double Draper’s tally of 29, and controlled the tempo from the baseline with his trademark flat groundstrokes.
“He’s been Top 10 for many, many years,” Draper said after the match. “He’s just the ultimate pro and can play incredible. I don’t play many people on the Tour that I feel like completely bully me and take the racquet out of my hand. But he did that today.”
It wasn’t just the numbers that told the story—it was the way Cilic moved, hit, and celebrated. His fist pumps and fierce focus were reminiscent of the days when he reached the final of Wimbledon in 2017 and battled Roger Federer on Centre Court.
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The Road Back: From Challenger Courts to Wimbledon Roars
For most top-level athletes, falling outside the Top 100 is a red flag. For Cilic, falling outside the Top 1000 could have been career-ending. Yet he chose the harder path—dusting himself off and returning to the Challenger Circuit, tennis’s equivalent of the minor leagues. These events come with minimal crowds, fewer comforts, and little of the media fanfare that follows Grand Slam champions.
Still, Cilic played them—not for the money, but for the love of the game and belief in his ability. After recovering from damage to both his meniscus and cartilage, which left his knee “ballooned” and unstable, the Croatian spent months in rehab with uncertainty hanging over his future. But he stayed patient, committed to the process.
“Considering everything that happened in the last two, three years… Even when I came back, the knee wasn’t good,” Cilic reflected. “Do I get another surgery? Retire? All the time there was this spark, this desire. I felt like my level was still there. I had to give myself one more opportunity.”
By late 2024, the hard work began to pay off. Slowly but surely, he clawed his way up the rankings, winning two Challenger titles out of seven entered. Though he failed to qualify directly for the French Open—losing in the final round—he still managed to enter as a lucky loser, a reward for his resilience, even if the stay was brief.
But it was on the grass courts of Nottingham, just weeks before Wimbledon, that Cilic truly found his rhythm again, capturing the Challenger title and bringing both form and confidence to London.
Powered by Family, Fueled by Passion
On No.1 Court at Wimbledon, there were some special spectators cheering for Cilic—his children. Their presence seemed to add an extra layer of motivation to his already gritty comeback.
“Doing it for those who matter most,” Wimbledon’s official handle tweeted, capturing the emotion of the moment. Cilic himself credited his family for keeping him grounded and motivated during the long recovery. “They helped me stay in shape mentally and physically,” he said, smiling after his win.
The match against Draper wasn’t just a display of elite tennis; it was the culmination of years of struggle, of quiet battles fought in gym sessions, ice baths, and sparsely attended Challenger matches.
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What Comes Next?
Cilic’s comeback story has captured the imagination of tennis fans across the globe. But for the Croatian himself, this isn’t about nostalgia or swan songs—it’s about ambition.
“These kind of matches, they challenge you to perform better,” he said. “But I’m aware that my level is very high. Can I go further? I feel I can.”
Cilic’s serve is still a weapon. His forehand is just as explosive as ever. His backhand, once a weak point, now looks solid. Most importantly, he is pain-free for the first time in nearly two years—a fact he repeatedly pointed out in post-match interviews.
He knows the road ahead only gets tougher. But this victory over Draper is more than just a second-round win. It’s a signal—to the draw, to the fans, and to himself—that Marin Cilic is not done yet.
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A Champion’s Spirit
Marin Cilic may never reclaim his spot in the Top 5 or add another Grand Slam to his résumé. But that’s not the point. His return to Wimbledon, full of fire and finesse, is about rediscovering joy in the game, about resilience in the face of pain, and about showing the world—and himself—that greatness isn’t just about titles. It’s about heart.
And if Thursday’s performance is any indication, there may still be more chapters to write in the career of this quiet warrior from Croatia. After all, he’s already proven that with belief, patience, and determination, even the most daunting comebacks are possible.
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