Cilic breaks up with his coach of the last seven years

Marin Cilic has announced the end of one of the most important stages in the final stretch of his career. The Croatian confirmed this Monday his professional separation from Vilim Visak, the coach he had been working with since 2020, with whom he won three ATP titles, along with making an emotional comeback to the circuit after overcoming a real ordeal of injuries.

The news marks the end of a relationship that went far beyond the professional aspect. Both have known each other since adolescence and shared a friendship that eventually turned into a collaboration full of successes, challenging moments, and a mutual trust that allowed Cilic to compete at the highest level again.

The end of a very special relationship between Cilic and Visak

"My dear friend, we have known each other since we were teenagers, living door to door, training and playing tournaments together. Meeting again after so many years and sharing the journey of the last seven years has been truly special," wrote Cilic on his social media.

The former world number 3 especially recalled the 2022 Roland Garros semifinals and the title won in Hangzhou during his return to the circuit. "Thank you for your friendship, your unconditional support, and for always pushing me forward, especially during the difficult injuries," he added.

Visak also wanted to say goodbye with a message of gratitude. "After seven wonderful years, our professional journey together comes to an end. It has been an exceptional honor and a huge privilege to coach Marin during such a long and intense period," he stated.

Alongside Visak, Cilic lifted the trophies at Stuttgart and Saint Petersburg in 2021 and wrote one of the most surprising chapters of his career by winning the ATP title in Hangzhou in 2024 when ranked as the 777th player in the world, the champion with the lowest ranking in ATP Tour history. Now, at 37 years old, the Croatian embarks on a new stage with the uncertainty of who will be the person accompanying him in the final stretch of a career marked by resilience and the ability to reinvent himself.