Marin Čilić's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Marin Čilić.

Marin Čilić is a highly accomplished Croatian professional tennis player, reaching a career-high ranking of world No. 3. His achievements include 21 ATP Tour-level singles titles, highlighted by his major victory at the 2014 US Open. He is considered among the greatest Croatian tennis players alongside Goran Ivanišević and Iva Majoli, solidifying his place in tennis history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1908: Olympic Men's Doubles History

In 1908, the Olympics saw the same country winning both gold and silver in men's doubles for the second time in its history, highlighting a rare occurrence.

1973: ATP Ranking System Introduction

In 1973, the current ATP ranking system was introduced, setting the context for Čilić's achievement in 2024 as the lowest-ranked player to win a title since its inception.

2001: Goran Ivanišević wins Wimbledon Championships

In 2001, Marin Čilić's coach, Goran Ivanišević, won the Wimbledon Championships, marking a significant milestone for Croatian tennis.

2009: Raemon Sluiter's Low Ranking Final

In 2009, Raemon Sluiter became the lowest-ranked finalist in 's-Hertogenbosch, a record Čilić approached in 2024.

2015: Davis Cup World Group Playoff Victory

In 2015, following his US Open victory, Čilić competed in the Davis Cup World Group playoffs against the Netherlands. He partnered with Marin Draganja to win the doubles match against Robin Haase and Jean-Julien Rojer. With the score tied at 2-2, Čilić replaced Borna Ćorić in the deciding singles rubber and defeated Thiemo de Bakker, securing Croatia's place in the World Group for 2015.

August 2016: Cincinnati Masters Title and New Coach

In August 2016, Čilić announced Jonas Björkman as his new coach. He also won his first Masters title in Cincinnati, defeating Andy Murray in the final, ending Murray's 22-match winning streak. This victory helped Čilić return to the top 10 rankings.

2017: Istanbul Open Title and ATP Success

In 2017, Čilić won the Istanbul Open, defeating Milos Raonic in the final. This victory marked his 14th ATP 250 title, second clay title, and 17th title overall, extending his streak to ten consecutive years with at least one ATP title.

2018: Davis Cup Final Victory

In 2018, Čilić led the Croatian national team in the Davis Cup final against France. He won his first match against Tsonga and secured the decisive victory for Croatia by defeating Lucas Pouille.

October 2019: 500th Career Match Win

On October 17, 2019, Čilić achieved his 500th career match win at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, becoming the 10th active player to reach this milestone.

November 2021: Return to Top 30

On November 1, 2021, with his victory at the St. Petersburg Open, Čilić returned to the top 30 in the world rankings, reaching World No. 28 after two years.

August 2024: Return to Manacor Challenger

In August 2024, after a six-month hiatus, Čilić returned to the 2024 Manacor Challenger, defeating Alberto Barroso Campos in the first round.

September 2024: Hangzhou Open Victory

In September 2024, ranked No. 777, Čilić won the Hangzhou Open as a wildcard, defeating Zhang Zhizhen in the final. This marked his 21st title and 16th on hard courts, making him the lowest-ranked player to win a title since 1973.

June 2025: Nottingham Open Challenger Title and Wimbledon Return

In June 2025, Čilić won the Lexus Nottingham Open Challenger title, marking his third final of the season and a return to the top 100 in singles rankings. At 36 years and eight months, Čilić also became the oldest grass court champion in Challenger history. He received a direct main draw entry for the 2025 Wimbledon Championships after a four year absence and upset Jack Draper in the second round.

2025: Dubai Tennis Championships Quarterfinal

In 2025, Čilić reached the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, defeating Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin, leading to a rise in the singles rankings.

2025: Girona Challenger Title

In 2025, Čilić won his first Challenger title in 17 years and 10 months at the Girona Challenger, breaking Andy Murray's record for the longest gap in winning titles on the ATP Challenger Tour.