British number one Jack Draper suffered a stunning second-round defeat at Wimbledon, losing 6-4 6-3 1-6 6-4 to 36-year-old Marin Cilic on Court One.
The fourth seed's hopes of a breakthrough run at SW19 were dashed by the Croatian veteran, who is currently ranked 83rd in the world.
The 2014 US Open champion and 2017 Wimbledon finalist produced a commanding performance to upset the partisan crowd.
Cilic was emotional after securing his place in the third round, where he will face world number 55 Jaume Munar.
Marin has battled several injury issues in recent years
Reuters
"My emotions are just incredible. Where I was two years ago, I can't even describe," the Croatian said courtside.
"It has been a long journey but I never lost any doubt."
The 36-year-old, playing at Wimbledon for the first time since 2021 following injury struggles, credited his family for maintaining his passion.
"They are also one of the reasons that I kept such a great passion for this sport," he said of his young children.
"I'm just so happy that they are here and obviously we are enjoying this as a family."
The defeat marks another disappointing early exit for Draper, who was widely considered the fourth favourite for the men's title behind Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Cilic dominated from the outset, pushing Draper behind the baseline with his powerful serve and deep returns.
The Croatian struck 53 winners to Draper's 29, with his forehand proving particularly devastating as it found the corners repeatedly.
Jack Draper was fancied to go far this year at Wimbledon
Reuters
After dropping the first two sets, Draper faced an uphill battle, having never previously won a professional match from two sets down.
The Briton rallied impressively in the third set, breaking twice and committing just one unforced error to take it 6-1 in 31 minutes.
However, Cilic regained control in a tense fourth set, converting his first match point when Draper sent a backhand wide.
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Marin Cilic put on a dazzling display to down Jack Draper
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The result extends Draper's frustrating record at his home Grand Slam, where he has still never reached the third round in four appearances.
Despite arriving at these Championships in career-best form following fourth-round runs at both the Australian Open and French Open, plus his first Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells, the British number one has managed just six matches in his Wimbledon career.
In the first Championships of the post-Andy Murray era, Draper's early departure continues a torturous tradition for British hopefuls at SW19.
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