NEW YORK — Returning to the scene of his grandest tennis achievement had a magical impact on defending champion Marin Cilic, who powered his way into the third round of the U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday.
Cilic, who has a 19-13 record this year as he has battled a shoulder injury since winning his maiden grand slam at Flushing Meadows, blasted home 19 aces to sweep past Russian Evgeny Donskoy 6-2 6-3 7-5 on Wednesday.
The Croatian said returning to the blue court at Arthur Ashe was a moving experience, and after a first-round victory at Louis Armstrong Stadium he was back at his favorite place.