"I think I have at least two top-level seasons left in me," Cilic discusses his return to the top 100 and the end of his career
Marin Cilic will be the main headliner for the Croatian team in the Davis Cup. Facing France this weekend in Osijek for a spot in the 2025 Final 8, the former world No. 3 and 2014 US Open champion had a nearly blank season in 2023 due to a right knee injury that required multiple surgeries.
He was only able to play two matches two years ago, before gradually returning to the tour and winning the ATP 250 tournament in Hangzhou last year, simultaneously becoming the lowest-ranked player (world No. 777 at the time) to win an ATP title. Now ranked 60th in the world, Cilic discussed his return to the top level, as well as the end of his sporting career.
"I needed rest after Wimbledon; I had already played something like 35 matches in the season. Now, I feel good, fresh for the end of the season. The first few months of the season were tough. I dropped out of the top 100 and had to play Challengers to get back to a ranking that would allow me to play Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
That puts pressure on you. I had to play more matches than I imagined. The difference in my schedule compared to what I was doing five years ago is that in a training week, I take one day off, whereas before it was half a day.
I set a goal for myself, say, to return to the top 50 to play the biggest tournaments with the dream of winning them, and I see what the steps are. It's basic reasoning. I didn't receive wild cards for the tournaments I wanted to play.
I was a bit surprised by that, actually, because throughout my career, I think I've been extremely fair with the organizers. So I had to play Challengers, and I had no problem with that—quite the opposite. The atmosphere, playing against young guys, feeling their energy—it was a good experience.
At this point in my career, I'm not managing external expectations or worrying about what others think. Only my own expectations matter. I give my best, I remain as professional as I can be.
I give 100% of what I can. And if I lose, I lose. You move on to the next week and continue to enjoy the process. I think I have at least two top-level seasons left in me," assured the 36-year-old Croat for L'Équipe.
