He was basically gone. If you followed tennis closely in 2023, you probably thought Marin Cilic was headed for a quiet retirement. The knee wasn't holding up. After two surgeries and a ranking that plummeted to four digits, the tall Croatian looked like a relic of a golden era.
But then something weird happened.
As of January 2026, the marin cilic tennis ranking sits at a steady No. 70 in the world. For a 37-year-old who was ranked No. 777 just a year and a half ago, that’s not just a comeback; it’s a statistical anomaly. He isn't just "participating" anymore. He’s winning matches against the young guns who grew up watching his 2014 US Open run on TV.
The Long Climb Back from No. 777
Tennis rankings are brutal because they’re based on a rolling 52-week "defend or die" system. If you don't play, you lose everything. By early 2024, Cilic had lost everything. He was a wildcard entry in Hangzhou back in September 2024, and honestly, nobody expected him to lift the trophy.
He did it anyway.
By beating Zhang Zhizhen in that final, he became the lowest-ranked player in ATP history to win a title. He jumped from No. 777 to No. 212 in a single Monday morning. That win was the catalyst. It gave him the cushion to stop begging for wildcards and start getting into qualifying draws on his own merit.
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The 2025 season was a grind. You've got to respect a guy who has made over $30 million in career prize money but is willing to play on the Challenger circuit in places like Helsinki and Nottingham just to get his points back up. He wasn't too proud for the mud. He won the Nottingham Challenger on grass, reminding everyone that his 6'6" frame and massive serve are still a nightmare on fast surfaces.
Why the Marin Cilic Tennis Ranking is Moving Up
Consistency is boring, but it’s how you crack the Top 100 at nearly 40 years old. Cilic’s current rank of 70 is built on a very specific type of success. He isn't winning Grand Slams, but he’s making deep runs in ATP 250s and 500s.
Look at his late 2025 stats. He took a set off Novak Djokovic in Shanghai. He reached the Round of 16 in Basel. He’s beating guys like Felix Auger-Aliassime and Adrian Mannarino—players who are significantly younger and, theoretically, faster.
The Points Breakdown (Roughly)
Currently, Cilic has about 790 points. His ranking is anchored by:
- A quarterfinal run in Dubai (100 points).
- The title in Nottingham (125 points).
- A few solid Round of 16 finishes in the indoor hard-court season.
It’s a fragile position. One bad month and he’s back to 120. But the fact that he’s starting 2026 with a direct entry into the Australian Open main draw is a massive win for his scheduling. No qualifying matches means more energy for the best-of-five format.
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What Most People Get Wrong About His Game
Most fans think Cilic is just a "serve and volley" guy because of his height. That's a lazy take. His backhand is actually his most reliable shot under pressure. When his ranking was in the hundreds, his movement was the big question mark.
After that second surgery in May 2024, he changed his fitness routine. He’s leaner now. He isn't trying to out-grind Alcaraz or Sinner from the baseline. He’s shortening points. Honestly, he’s playing "old man tennis" in the most efficient way possible—huge serves, first-strike forehands, and zero interest in 30-shot rallies.
The Road to the Top 50
Can he get back to the Top 50? It's the big question for 2026.
The gap between No. 70 and No. 50 is surprisingly small—usually just a couple of good tournament weeks. If he has a decent run in Melbourne or picks up a title at a smaller event like Pune or Marseille, he’ll be right there.
But there are limitations.
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His age is the obvious one. At 37, recovery times are longer. He can't play 25 tournaments a year anymore. He has to be picky. If he overplays, the knee flares up. If he underplays, the marin cilic tennis ranking drops because he can't defend his points. It's a tightrope.
Realistically Speaking
He probably won't ever see No. 3 again. That's fine. He’s already a legend in Croatia, having led them to a Davis Cup title and snagged an Olympic silver medal in doubles with Ivan Dodig. For Cilic, this 2026 season is about the love of the game and proving that "The Big Four" era players still have some bite left.
Keep an eye on his results during the grass-court season in June. That’s where he’s most dangerous. If he’s healthy by the time Wimbledon rolls around, his ranking could see another major jump.
Actionable Steps for Tennis Fans
If you're tracking Marin’s progress this season, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Watch the "Live Rankings": Don't wait for the official ATP update every Monday. Use sites like Live-Tennis.eu to see how his points fluctuate match-by-match during tournaments.
- Monitor the Surface: Cilic thrives on fast hard courts and grass. If he enters a clay-court tournament, temper your expectations—his ranking usually stalls during the dirt season.
- Check the Draw: Because he's ranked 70th, he isn't seeded. This means he can face a world No. 1 in the first round. His ranking will only climb if he gets "lucky" draws or pulls off massive upsets early in tournaments.
- Follow the Knee: Any withdrawal from a tournament is a red flag. At this stage of his career, a "minor" injury can be a three-month setback.
Cilic is currently one of the most interesting veterans on tour because he refuses to go away. He’s not on a farewell tour; he’s on a "see you in the second week" tour.