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Paul McNamara

Two years after he came to Hong Kong under a dark injury cloud, the evergreen Marin Cilic is back in the city plotting a “fantastic” 22nd season of an exceptional career.
Croat Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion, hardly played in 2023 because of a right knee complaint. Following surgery, he tentatively returned at the following year’s Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open, but barely one month after his first-round defeat succumbed again to the same issue.
“I did consider quitting, as an athlete it’s tough when you get in these situations; dealing with surgeries and difficulties, visiting doctors and hearing different opinions,” Cilic said.
“It was never about whether I had the desire or motivation, it was more whether we could take care of the problem.”
Cilic buried himself in studying knee injuries and rehabilitation methods, but relief ultimately came in the form of Dr Brian Cole from the University Medical Centre in Chicago. An orthopaedic surgeon, Cole identified a build-up of cartilage resulting from overuse.
After a second operation, Cilic was back on court in August 2024.
“As soon as I found a solution and the doctors helped me, I was back on track,” Cilic said.
“But when you are in that grey zone, not knowing what’s next, the mind works that way [introduces doubts].”

With career earnings of more than US$32.5 million (roughly HK$253 million), and a body of work featuring 21 ATP Tour titles, and Australian Open and Wimbledon runners-up finishes, in addition to his grand slam success in New York, Cilic could walk away comfortable and content, regardless of injury considerations.
But he is evidently relishing his position as one of the senior men on the block.
Before a ride on a Hong Kong Open-themed tram on Friday, Cilic greeted fellow tram travellers and competitors Jerry Shang Juncheng, 20, Coleman Wong Chak-lam, 21, and 26-year-old Wu Yibing, with a playful “hello youngsters”.
“Tennis has been my passion since I was a kid, I don’t look at it as work,” Cilic said, who turned professional at 16 in 2005.
“I’m inspired every day to get to the highest level possible.
“It’s another challenge for me to see where this season can go and I could possibly have some fantastic results.”
The fresh perspective gained from his enforced lay-off has released Cilic to trust his inherent talent.
“I still try to play responsibly, but it’s allowed me to follow my instinct and see how it goes,” he said.

Swinging more freely, he became the lowest ranked player to claim a tour title when he won the 2024 Hangzhou Open from the depths of world No 777.
Now up to No 73, Cilic won Challenger tournaments in Girona and Nottingham last year.
“It was a hard year, I needed to go to Challengers to rise up the rankings,” Cilic said, who climbed to No 3 in 2018.
“I felt huge competition, the youngsters were extra motivated; it’s their territory now. I was coming onto their ground and they didn’t want to give it away for free.
“It’s been fun, I’ve learned a lot through this process and it’s made me stronger.”
Cilic said he chose Hong Kong to prepare for the new year because “it’s a beautiful set-up and the people are really respectful, you can see it in everyday life. The city of Hong Kong is incredible”.
Ahead of the serious business getting under way, Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka met last month in a divisive “Battle-of-the-Sexes” clash in Dubai.
And Cilic said he came down on the side of those who favoured the initiative.
“I support it, why not?” he said. “We have our regular seasons with really serious competition, then these events make it more fun. In the end, tennis wins, which is fantastic.”


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Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open

Marin Cilic over injury hell and thoughts of quitting, plotting ‘fantastic’ 2026 campaign

Marin Cilic tells the Post about his successful battle with a knee injury. Photo: Elson Li

Marin Cilic jokes with his young rivals (left-to-right) Wu Yibing, Jerry Shang and Coleman Wong. Photo: Elson Li

The Croat lost in the opening round on his previous visit to Hong Kong in 2024. Photo: Elson Li

Hongkonger Coleman Wong hungry for major progress after Norway camp with Casper Ruud

Coleman Wong enjoys his ride on a Hong Kong Open themed tram. Photo:  Elson Li

Coleman Wong (left) with fellow Hong Kong Open competitors Jerry Shang, Wu Yibing and Marin Cilic. Photo: Elson Li

Greater ambition: how Hong Kong and bay area neighbours could host Asian Games, Olympics

The Greater Bay Area’s successful staging of the National Games has added momentum to calls for it to stage bigger events. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Thomas Bach (left) talks to Hong Kong rower Winnie Hung during the National Games. Photo: Elson Li

The closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics was held at the Stade de France. Photo: Xinhua

Fans cheer on the Hong Kong’s men sevens team during the National Games at Kai Tak Stadium. Photo: Sam Tsang

Athletes ran past Shenzhen Bay Control Point during the 15th National Games marathon. Photo: Eugene Lee

Sport

Tennis

The 37-year-old 2014 US Open champion set for second Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open appearance following 2024 outing


The 37-year-old 2014 US Open champion set for second Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open appearance following 2024 outing.


Marin Cilic over injury hell and thoughts of quitting, plotting ‘fantastic’ 2026 campaign

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 37-year-old 2014 US Open champion set for second Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open appearance following 2024 outing

The 37-year-old 2014 US Open champion set for second Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open appearance following 2024 outing