Former US Open champion Marin Čilić has celebrated joining the elite group of players with at least 600 ATP Tour match wins, describing the milestone as a testament to his dedication to tennis after enduring several injury-plagued seasons.

The 37-year-old, who has undergone two knee surgeries since 2023, secured his 600th victory by defeating American Learner Tien 7-5, 7-6(4) at the Dallas Open on Tuesday. This achievement places him second among active players behind Novak Djokovic (1,168 wins) and sees him surpass fellow Croatian Goran Ivanišević’s career total of 599 tour-level victories.

“It’s been so difficult these last couple of years, battling through many challenges,” Čilić said. “To get to this level, playing well against players like Learner—who’s incredible and has a fantastic future—is just a joy.

“Reaching this milestone speaks volumes about my dedication to tennis and living in this sport for so many years. It has given me so much joy. I love it, and it’s fun to still be out here competing. I couldn’t be happier.”

Čilić, who won his only Grand Slam title at the 2014 US Open, suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee in 2023, requiring surgery, followed by another procedure in 2024 due to complications in his recovery.

The former world No. 3 has since bounced back on the big stage, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon last year and the third round of the Australian Open earlier this year.

In Dallas, Čilić will next face another American, with either Trevor Svajda or Ethan Quinn awaiting him in the upcoming round.