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Former US Open champion Marin Cilic became the lowest-ranked player to win an ATP Tour title with an emotional victory at the Hangzhou Open.<\/b><\/p>\n
Croatia’s Cilic, who started the tournament at 777th in the world, has spent the majority of the past two seasons out with a knee injury which required multiple surgeries.<\/p>\n
Given a wildcard to play in Hangzhou, the former world number three had not won an ATP Tour match in 22 months before this week.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, just four days before his 36th birthday, he beat home favourite Zhang Zhizhen 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (7-5) to lift the title.<\/p>\n
“It has been a difficult period for me – I lost my ranking and I didn’t play too much,” said Cilic, who reached a career-high ranking of third in 2018.<\/p>\n
Cilic had the latest surgery on his right knee in May, saying it was the “best option” to help overcome the problem and return to court.<\/p>\n
He played just two matches in 2023 and another four times at the start of this season.<\/p>\n
The comeback began on the Challenger Tour – the tier below the main ATP events – in August before stepping up a level again over the past week in China.<\/p>\n
Cilic hit 18 aces and won 42 of 50 first-service points (84%) against 43rd-ranked Zhang.<\/p>\n
In his post-match speech, the 2014 US Open champion dedicated the victory to his family – including his wife and two children – for their support during the low moments.<\/p>\n
“Everybody at home has been with me in this difficult period, working day by day, believing and pushing me, giving me strength and spirit,” Cilic said.<\/p>\n
“I’m happy to make this victory, not just for me, but for them. For everyone there is a small piece of this trophy.”<\/p>\n
On the back of winning a 21st title of his career, Cilic will rise 404 places in the rankings to 373 next week.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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