Despite the difficulties, Cilic hasn't given up hope: "My desire to play at the highest level hasn't faded".

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Elio Valotto

le 13/05/2024 à 11h56

1 min to read

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What tenacity! Marin Cilic, seriously injured in the knee, hasn't won a match since January 2023. After undergoing surgery for the first time in 2023, the former world No. 3 returned to the operating table. After a series of interesting but unsuccessful matches at the start of the 2024 season (4 defeats), he finally came to the conclusion that a second operation was necessary.

The 2014 US Open winner underwent surgery on Friday, and now faces a lengthy rehabilitation process. Despite his serious physical problems, the 1.98m Croatian, known for his mutant serve and dry forehand strokes, seems determined not to give up. So, as he frees up a place for the French Open, where he had planned to use his protected ranking, he explained himself on social networks: "I made the decision to undergo a new knee operation, after careful consideration and a lot of useful advice from expert doctors. It seemed the best option to move forward and achieve a full recovery. My desire to play again at the highest level has not faded; on the contrary, it's stronger than ever, and I'm confident that this additional operation will help me get closer to my return to the court."