Former US Open champion Marin Cilic says joining an elite club of players with at least 600 match wins on the ATP Tour is proof of his dedication to the sport after battling through several injury-ravaged seasons.
The 37-year-old, who has had two knee surgeries since 2023, downed American Learner Tien 7-5 7-6(4) at the Dallas Open on Tuesday to reach the milestone, putting him second behind Novak Djokovic (1,168 wins) among active players.
“It’s been difficult these past few years; I was battling through many things,” said Cilic, who also went past Croatian compatriot Goran Ivanisevic’s career tally of 599 tour-level victories.
To get this milestone speaks volumes about my dedication to tennis.
— Marin Cilic
“Just to get to this level, playing this well against guys such as Learner, who’s an incredible player and can have a fantastic career, is just a joy.
“To get this milestone speaks volumes about my dedication to tennis, living in this sport for so many years. It’s given me so much joy, and I love it. It’s fun to be out here still competing, and I can’t be happier.”
Cilic, who claimed his only Grand Slam trophy at Flushing Meadows in 2014, tore the lateral meniscus on his right knee in 2023 and underwent surgery. That was followed by another in 2024 after difficulties in his recovery.
The former world No 3 bounced back on the biggest stage by reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon last year and the third round of the Australian Open last month.
Cilic will face another American in Dallas, with either Trevor Svajda or Ethan Quinn up next.
Reuters