Former world No. 3 Marin Cilic has shocked the tennis world by making history on the Challenger Tour circuit. The Croatian player, who famously defeated Roger Federer on his way to winning the 2014 US Open, has been on a rollercoaster journey in the rankings due to a lengthy injury layoff.
Cilic’s triumphant return to the winner’s circle came at the Girona Challenger, where he clinched the title almost 18 years after his last Challenger victory. This remarkable feat allowed him to surpass Andy Murray’s record for the longest gap between wins on the lower-level circuit.
Once considered a formidable rival to the Big Four in tennis, the 36-year-old Cilic has proven that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Despite currently being ranked at No. 143 in the world, he has continued to defy the odds and showcase his talent.
Unable to secure a spot in the prestigious Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami, Cilic opted to test his skills in the Challenger circuit, where he faced both triumphs and setbacks. After a disappointing start in Murcia, he bounced back in Girona and emerged victorious after defeating three seeded players, culminating in a final win against Elmer Moller.
Cilic’s remarkable 17-year and 10-month gap between Challenger titles has solidified his name in tennis history, surpassing even Murray’s previous record. With an impressive display of skill and resilience, he has climbed back up the rankings and is now set to break into the top 120 once again.
Having made a strong comeback since his return from a significant injury layoff, Cilic’s recent successes at the Hangzhou Open and Dubai Championships have marked his resurgence in the tennis world. As he looks ahead to the upcoming tournament in Menorca, where he is seeded third, all eyes will be on Cilic to see if he can continue his winning streak and further shorten the gap between his title wins.