Former US Open champion Marin Cilic grew to become the lowest-ranked participant to win an ATP Tour title with an emotional victory on the Hangzhou Open.
Croatia’s Cilic, who began the match at 777th on the planet, has spent the vast majority of the previous two seasons out with a knee harm which required a number of surgical procedures.
Given a wildcard to play in Hangzhou, the previous world quantity three had not gained an ATP Tour match in 22 months earlier than this week.
On Tuesday, simply 4 days earlier than his thirty sixth birthday, he beat residence favorite Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5) to elevate the title.
“It has been a tough interval for me – I misplaced my rating and I did not play an excessive amount of,” mentioned Cilic, who reached a career-high rating of third in 2018.
Cilic had the newest surgical procedure on his proper knee in Might, saying it was the “most suitable choice” to assist overcome the issue and return to courtroom.
He performed simply two matches in 2023 and one other 4 occasions in the beginning of this season.
The comeback started on the Challenger Tour – the tier beneath the principle ATP occasions – in August earlier than stepping up a degree once more over the previous week in China.
Cilic hit 18 aces and gained 42 of fifty first-service factors (84%) in opposition to Forty third-ranked Zhang.
In his post-match speech, the 2014 US Open champion devoted the victory to his household – together with his spouse and two kids – for his or her help throughout the low moments.
“Everyone at residence has been with me on this tough interval, working day-to-day, believing and pushing me, giving me energy and spirit,” Cilic mentioned.
“I am completely satisfied to make this victory, not only for me, however for them. For everybody there’s a small piece of this trophy.”
On the again of successful a twenty first title of his profession, Cilic will rise 404 locations within the rankings to 373 subsequent week.