Cilic channels spirit of 2005 to light up Paris return

“I’m incredibly proud,” declared the 36-year-old, who toppled Andy Murray in a 2005 boys' semi-final duel.

“I remember a lot of the matches, a lot of the opponents. Actually, after my (final) match I was able to watch (Mariano) Puerta and (Rafael) Nadal from the stands. It was a dream come true to watch a Grand Slam final live, especially Rafa in that moment.”

It was a significant day for Cilic, the launchpad to eventually becoming world No.3, winning the 2014 US Open, during a trophy-laden career.

“It was a stepping stone to becoming a professional player,” continued Cilic.

“I was coming from a background without tradition in tennis apart from watching Goran (Ivanisevic) on TV. Then it’s a small kid from a small place going into the world. You have no idea what you can achieve, what is necessary to achieve at the very top. For me the career ahead was just incredible.”

The last time Cilic competed in Porte d'Auteuil he was going toe-to-toe with Casper Ruud in the 2022 main draw semi-finals on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Two injury-maligned seasons later and Cilic is officially back in business in Paris.

He hasn’t wielded his racket in Roland-Garros qualifying since 2007 and began his quest for a main draw ticket 6-2 6-3 over China’s Wu Yibing in front of a packed crowd on Court 12.

“Very happy to be here after a great run three years ago. I was feeling good, made a great start to the match, with great intensity,” said the current world No.104. “Overall, moving well, hitting the ball well, everything felt on a good level.”

The two knee surgeries in 2023 and 2024 derailed the major winner, but still Cilic maintained his drive. So much so, by September last season he became the lowest-ranked champion in ATP history (since 1990) by ruling Hangzhou, China, as the world No.777.

“First and foremost is the love for the game. It’s a passion to train, a passion to wake up every day to push yourself,” explained Cilic.

“This sport is difficult, it’s difficult to climb back out of holes, out of difficult situations.

“I’ve always kept a great attitude, a great mindset, a great will and motivation to keep playing. When I’m playing well, I’m the happiest I can be.”

The 21-time titlist dropped down to the ATP Challenger Tour to gain the clay match play required to compete on the major stage. His decision paid dividends with a title in Girona, Spain, and a final run in the Madrid Challenger on the road to Roland-Garros.

Being such a high-profile player at that level and also in Grand Slam qualifying “puts a little bit of a target on me”, admitted Cilic, but highlights his determination to recapture his former heights.

“When you’re at the top, you can choose your schedule, this is an interesting situation to be in after many years not in qualifying. It’s a nice challenge to go through,” stated the resilient Croatian.

“For me it’s about what might be my goal for when I’m playing for the next few years, which is obviously to get back to the level that I was at. I’d like to win something again, but you never know, the competition is so strong.

“You have to go through step by steps. It means to play in smaller events, to play qualifying here, to start tournaments earlier, but in terms of my mindset and motivation I’m very hungry.”

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