back. The Croatian star, who stunned the tennis world with his 2014 US Open victory, admits the emotions never fade. “It brings a lot of emotions coming here,” he reflects. “Winning that trophy in 2014 and having a lot of success here—it’s one of my best Grand Slam performances ever. It’s always a thrill to come back.” Cilic describes New York as more than just another stop on the calendar. The city’s energy fuels him, and the Arthur Ashe Stadium in particular holds a special place in his heart. “The stadium gave me a great feeling—an oasis for tennis. For my offensive game, where I need clean contact, it was the perfect combination,” he says. The connection was so strong that in the days leading up to the tournament, he even told his team: “It’s impossible to play bad in this stadium.” They laughed at the time, but Cilic would soon prove himself right.

That fortnight in 2014, Cilic transformed from a strong contender into a Grand Slam champion. His stunning semifinal win over Roger Federer, followed by a commanding performance against Kei Nishikori in the final, sealed his place in history. “Serving it out was amazing,” he recalls. “When I won, it was pure emotion and happiness. Roger said some incredibly kind words at the net: ‘So happy for you, buddy.’ That was a beautiful moment.

A decade later, the Croatian is still inspired by those memories, but his story is no longer just about past glory. After two knee surgeries and grueling rehab, Cilic is chasing a different kind of victory—the ability to keep competing. “It was extremely difficult mentally. At first, I thought: six months recovery, no problem. But it was up and down. The doubts crept in: will I play again?” he admits. “What kept me going was how good I felt in training. My level was amazing—I just needed the knee to hold.”