When Marin Cilic walks into Flushing Meadows, memories flood back. The Croatian star, who stunned the tennis world with his 2014 US Open victory, admits the emotions never fade. “It brings a lot of emotions coming here,” he reflects. “Winning that trophy in 2014 and having a lot of success here—it’s one of my best Grand Slam performances ever. It’s always a thrill to come back.”

Cilic describes New York as more than just another stop on the calendar. The city’s energy fuels him, and the Arthur Ashe Stadium in particular holds a special place in his heart. “The stadium gave me a great feeling—an oasis for tennis. For my offensive game, where I need clean contact, it was the perfect combination,” he says. The connection was so strong that in the days leading up to the tournament, he even to

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