Jack Draper the latest shock Wimbledon exit as Marin Cilic rolls back the years
Marin Cilic produced the shock of the Wimbledon Championships so far as he sent No. 4 seed Jack Draper out in the second round.
Eight years on from appearing in the 2017 final, Cilic produced some of the best tennis of his career to defeat the home favourite 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4.
Injuries meant Cilic had not even appeared at Wimbledon since 2021 but the 36-year-old raced to a two-set lead. The threat of a Draper comeback came with a 6-1 third set victory for the Briton, only for Cilic to respond and win the fourth set and the 2hr 38 minute match.
Following his victory, Cilic said: “Emotions are just incredible. You know, where I was two years ago, can’t even describe so it’s been a long journey. I never lost any doubt.
“Obviously, it was long and testing, huge challenge for me, in this part of my career. To come back to play this kind of level and in front of this crowd against Jack. It’s just incredible so thanks everyone for the great sportsmanship.
Cilic now looks forward to the third round and said he hopes to continue playing well as the tournament progresses.
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“It’s been, well, obviously, a long career. I’ve been really dedicated all my life to training, and, of course, huge credit to my team, to everyone who was helping me on this journey.
“And I’ve been now for the last several weeks in the UK, enjoying myself, playing through some challenges and winning matches. I’m in great form and, you know, just feeling great and hoping I can continue to play well.
“[My family] are one of the reasons that I kept such a great passion, also running after them keeps me always in a great shape so but for them to come here and they’re always great in the support.
“They are cheering me on so I’m just so happy that they’re here and enjoying it as a family.”