Tennis is a battlefield, physically and mentally punishing, with players grinding through endless tournaments and relentless hours on court. Yet, when nature turns merciless, even grit can falter. This summer in Cincinnati, Arthur Rinderknech collapsed onto his back against Felix Auger-Aliassime under blistering heat before losing the match, a stark reminder of the sport’s extremes. Now, former US Open champion Marin Cilic has blasted the ATP ahead of the Hangzhou Open, slamming the tour’s poor planning to combat such dangerous conditions.

Marin Cilic, the 36-year-old Croatian powerhouse, stands as the reigning champion at the ATP 250 Hangzhou Open, a title he’s determined to defend as the event kicks off on Wednesday. The tournament, which spans seven days, promises fierce competition, and Cilic is looking to etch his name in history with back-to-back triumphs. But even before stepping on court for his opening match, the former US Open champion has already taken aim at one major concern that could overshadow the competition: the scorching heat.

Forecasts have predicted blistering temperatures of 37 degrees Celsius on the opening day, an intense heat wave that could easily push players beyond their physical limits. Cilic, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, has sounded the alarm publicly, urging the ATP to prioritize player safety before it’s too late.

Taking to his Instagram story, Cilic shared a message that was both urgent and heartfelt. He wrote: “Heat rule in place? [Fingers crossed] everyone stays healthy next two days. All matches should be played under the roof in the stadium with AC – this is dangerous and crazy.” His words cut deep, echoing the fears of many players who know the toll extreme conditions can take on their bodies.

This isn’t just a passing complaint; it’s a rallying cry for action. Extreme heat has long been one of tennis’s harshest opponents, and its effects can be brutal. While temperatures are expected to ease slightly by Thursday, dropping to around 29 degrees Celsius, the heat will still pose a serious challenge for players. 

Matches can stretch for hours, and dehydration, cramps, and heatstroke are not just possibilities; they’re real risks. Cilic’s demand that matches be moved under the roof is more than reasonable; it’s a call to protect the athletes who put their bodies on the line for the sport.

And Cilic isn’t the only voice raising concern. Over on the WTA side, Iga Swiatek spoke out earlier this year about dangerous heat conditions. After defeating Polina Kudermetova in straight sets on the hottest opening day in Wimbledon history, with temperatures exceeding 32 degrees Celsius, the World No. 2 admitted the heat was nearly unbearable. “Playing in this heat, I’m glad some clouds came. This day was pretty… I don’t know. I didn’t know how I’m gonna survive it. In tennis we need to be ready for the rain, heat, everything. Especially in UK as you see.”

While Cilic, who simply refuses to give up on his career despite injuries, battles the weather off the court, he has also been reflecting on his own remarkable career. Recently, he opened up about how his iconic US Open victory almost didn’t happen, a reminder that behind his calm demeanor lies a fighter who thrives in adversity. And now, as the heat rises in Hangzhou, Cilic once again steps into battle, not just for a title, but for the safety of every player brave enough to step on court.

Marin Cilic remembers iconic US Open victory

When Marin Cilic steps onto Flushing Meadows, memories rush in like a roaring New York crowd. The Croatian star, who stunned the tennis world with his 2014 US Open victory, admits the emotions never truly 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.”

For Cilic, New York is far more than just another tournament stop. The city’s raw energy fuels him, and the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium remains his sanctuary.

“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 explains. His connection with Ashe was so strong that before the tournament began, he told his team, “It’s impossible to play bad in this stadium.” They laughed, but soon, he proved himself right.

That 2014 fortnight was nothing short of transformational. Cilic went from dangerous contender to undeniable champion, producing fearless tennis when it mattered most.

His electrifying semifinal triumph over Roger Federer was followed by a commanding win against Kei Nishikori in the final, sealing his name in the history books. “Serving it out was amazing,” he recalls. “When I won, it was pure emotion and happiness. Roger said some incredibly kind words at the net: ‘So happy for you, buddy.’ That was a beautiful moment.”

A decade later, those memories remain a fire in his heart, driving him to keep competing at the highest level.

And now, as the Asian swing heats up, all eyes turn to Hangzhou. Can the veteran champion summon that same magic and defend his crown?