The sports day: No one has ever been so “bad”: Tennis pro Marin Cilic achieves historic victory

The Sports Day
No one has ever been so “bad”: Tennis pro Marin Cilic achieves historic victory

24.09.2024, 20:24

Croatian tennis professional Marin Cilic achieved a historic success at the ATP tournament in Hangzhou, China. With his narrow 7:6 (7:5), 7:6 (7:5) win in the final against local hero Zhang Zhizhen, the 35-year-old became the lowest-ranked tournament winner in ATP history. Cilic started the tournament as number 777 in the rankings, but with his first final triumph since 2021 he has now improved to 212th place.

Due to an injury, Cilic had not been able to play in a tournament on the ATP Tour since February, and in May he had undergone surgery on his right knee. He was only able to take part in the 12 million-strong city of Hangzhou with a wildcard. “I would like to thank my family, my boys, my wife – and everyone who supported me during this difficult time,” said the visibly moved Croatian at the awards ceremony.