Marin Cilic endures two knee surgeries, makes a winning comeback

Former Major champion Marin Cilic is back in action! Marin, former world no. 3, struggled with a knee injury, undergoing two surgeries and dropping out from the top-1000 for the first time in two decades. Cilic spent over half a year away from the court and returned at the Rafa Nadal Open, entering his first Challenger since March 2012!

Marin faced world no. 346 Alberto Barroso Campos in the first round and earned a 6-4, 6-4 victory, his first in almost 20 months! Cilic came to Mallorca well-prepared, playing only one loose service game and keeping the pressure on his rival.

The Croat fired ten aces and six double faults, dominating with his first serve and denying two of three break points. Barroso Campos could not follow that pace despite a decent effort, dropping 40% of the points in his games and suffering three breaks from six chances presented to his opponent.

Marin kicked off the action with an early break and provided five comfortable holds for a reliable start.

The Croat caused the Spaniard’s mistake in the first game of the encounter, securing a break at 15 and generating an early advantage.

Cilic landed an ace in the second game, holding at love and cementing the break. Alberto added his name to the scoreboard with a hold at 15 in game three before Marin fired a forehand down the line winner in the next one, opening a 3-1 advantage.

Former world no. 3 landed an ace in the sixth game, producing another fine hold and moving 4-2 in front. Barroso Campos recovered from that early break and followed the rival’s pace with steadfast holds, hoping to create his first return chances.

Instead, Cilic held at 30 in the eighth game, remaining ahead and serving for the opener at 5-4. The Croat earned two set points and fired a service winner for 6-4 after 39 minutes. Marin made another push on the return in the third game of the second set, welcoming a backhand error from his rival to move in front…