Marin Cilic ended Jack Draper’s Wimbledon run with a 6-4, 6-3, 1-6, 6-4 victory on Thursday. The Croatian player, aged 36, showcased his powerful play against the British No. 1 in their second-round match lasting two hours and 39 minutes. Cilic last played at Wimbledon in 2021 and expressed joy at returning to this level of competition.
“To come back and play at this kind of level in front of this crowd and against Jack is just incredible,” said Cilic. “Emotions are just incredible, from where I was two years ago, it’s been a long journey. I never lost any doubt. I’ve been really dedicated to training.”
Draper aimed for his first third-round appearance at Wimbledon but struggled against Cilic’s aggressive style. Despite knee surgeries in recent years, Cilic’s grass-court skills remain strong. He recently won an ATP Challenger Tour title in Nottingham and will face Jaume Munar next.
Cilic’s win over Draper marks his seventh consecutive victory and improves his Wimbledon record to 33-13. His performance has moved him up seven spots to No. 76 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
Elsewhere, Alex de Minaur secured a place in the third round after defeating Arthur Cazaux 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 on No. 2 Court. De Minaur recovered from losing the first set without facing a break point thereafter.
De Minaur came into Wimbledon following a loss at Queen’s Club but is now showing resilience as he prepares to meet August Holmgren next.
Jakub Mensik also advanced with a win over Marcos Giron, making him the youngest Czech man since Tomas Berdych in 2005 to reach Wimbledon’s third round. Mensik will compete against Flavio Cobolli next.
Mensik’s year has been notable for winning his first ATP Masters title in Miami by defeating Novak Djokovic.
Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime with scores of 3-6, 7-6(9), 6-3, 6-4 after their match resumed due to darkness suspension. Struff will face Carlos Alcaraz next after leveling his series with Auger-Aliassime at three wins each.