Competing for the first time at The Championships since 2021, veteran Marin Cilic produced a tennis masterclass to upset fourth seed Jack Draper with a 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 win in two hours and 39 minutes on No.1 Court.
Following his maiden Top 5 win on the grass surface, he said: “The emotions I’m feeling are incredible. Where I was two years ago, I can’t even describe.”
The former world No. 3 impressed with his run of form, rock-solid behind his booming serve while generating depth and power on the forehand, hitting groundstrokes that damaged the Indian Wells champion’s game.
Moreover, the Croatian player, who finished runner-up to Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2017, hit 53 winners (16 aces) against 34 unforced errors, converted three of nine breakpoints, and won 78 percent of the points on his first serve.
As a result, he secured his ticket into the third round for the ninth time at the grass-court major, beating an opponent 13 years his junior.
Off to a red-hot start, the experienced player took the first two sets by storm. However, the 23-year-old came back firing, stealing the third with a commanding 6-1 win.
From there, Cilic continued to roll back the years, converting one of three break point opportunities to neutralize his adversary en route to wrapping up action in four sets.
In his post-match press conference, Draper commented: “I’m very frustrated and really upset. I came up short. This is one of my toughest losses. Cilic didn’t let up from start to finish. He was much better than I.”
“I’m really disappointed with my grass game this year. I struggled on the grass after feeling great on hard and on clay.”
The No.1 British sits at a career high No. 4 following an outstanding transition from the hard courts to the red clay, which did not reflect on grass.
“I need to be bulletproof in all areas on all courts,” he remarked. “There’s a misconception that because I am a 6ft 4 in lefty, I’m incredible on grass.
“I’m determined to make it a surface that’s great for me. In a way, it’s been good to see that I have a lot of areas to improve in my game, but it’s also hard because I thought I was ahead of where I am.”
A Giant Return
Away from the Grand Slam since 2021 due to multiple knee surgeries, the player currently ranked at world No. 83 has been giving his all on the court to recover lost ground.
As of July 1st of last season, Cilic had dropped to No. 1078, facing an uphill run ahead.
Going from strength to strength, he claimed his first title in three years, 21st overall, at the ATP 250 event in Hangzhou, China, becoming the lowest-ranked player (No. 777) to capture a tour-level title last September.
The new season saw him reach the quarterfinals in Dubai, and a month later, he surged to victory at the ATP Challenger in Girona.
In the build-up to the SW19, he clinched the Nottingham Challenger, breaking back into the Top 100 to arrive in London off the back of positive results.
On a surface he feels comfortable playing, Cilic launched his campaign with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 win over Belgium’s Raphael Collignon, a confidence-boosting result before a heavyweight clash with the local favorite.
During his on-court interview, the 2014 US Open champion added: “It’s been a long journey, but I never lost any doubt. This was a huge challenge, to come back and play at this level against Jack, in front of this crowd.”
“My sons are one of the reasons I have kept such great passion. Running after them keeps me in great shape. They are always cheering me on, and I’m so glad that they’re here.”
Next, he will meet Spaniard Jaume Munar, who beat Fabian Marozsan in straight sets earlier on Thursday. Previously, he opened his campaign in style, shocking 28th seed Alexander Bublik in a five-set thriller.