ATP
Comeback Cilic collects 21st title
Marin Cilic ignored his No. 777 standing in the wake of a knee injury on Tuesday to become the lowest-ranked winner of an ATP event in history as he claimed the 21st title of his career.
The 35-year-old Croat who won the US Open decade ago, rolled back the years as he cemented his return to form, triumphing in the Hangzhou Open final over China’s Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) .
It was his first trophy since 2021 in St Petersburg; CIlic last played on the tour in February, in Buenos Aires,also in China at .
He lifted the trophy after losing just two sets all week in China.
“Thank you to my family, my boys, my wife. Everyone who has been with me in this difficult period,” the winner said.
“It’s been a difficult period for me in the past few months. I lost my ranking and I didn’t play too much.
“So a big thank you to the organising team for giving me the opportunity (on a wild card entry).”
Former World No. 3 Cilic ended with 34 winners as he overpowered the popular Zhang in just under two hours.
Main photo:- Marion Cilic wins Hangzhou by ATPTour.com