Čilić into Wimbledon last 16 for first time since 2017

Marin Čilić (Photo credit: si.robi/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Croatian tennis star Marin Čilić is through to the fourth round of Wimbledon after a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 win over Spain’s Jaume Munar.

The third-round clash lasted three hours and six minutes, marking another important step in Čilić’s return to form following a challenging spell with injuries.

This is the 27th time in his career that the 36-year-old from Međugorje has reached the last 16 at a Grand Slam tournament.

It is also the first time he has done so since the 2022 US Open, and the first time at Wimbledon since his memorable run to the final in 2017.

Čilić came out strong, breaking in the opening game and taking the first set 6-3, but Munar hit back in the second with more aggressive play and took it 6-2 as Čilić struggled with unforced errors.

The Croatian regained control in the third, breaking early and finishing it 6-2. A key break at 2-2 in the fourth set proved decisive, with Čilić holding on to take the set 6-4 and seal the win.

In the second round, Čilić caused an upset when he beat Britain’s mens No 1 player and 4th seed Jake Draper 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 4-6.

He will next face Italian Flavio Cobolli for a place in the Wimbledon quarterfinals.