Marin Cilic life and biography

Marin Čilić is a Croatian professional tennis player.

CAREER:

Singles Titles
2010: Zagreb, Chennai
2009: Zagreb, Chennai
2008: New Haven

The 6-foot-6 Marin Cilic reached a career-high No. 13 in 2009. In 2008 he won his first title, in New Haven, and he has since added four more titles, winning both Chennai and Zagreb in 2009 and 2010. Like two other super-tall Croats, Goran Ivanisevic and Mario Ancic, Cilic’s preferred surface is grass. He trains at the Bob Brett Academy in Sanremo, Italy. He has reached the semifinals of the Australian Open, the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, and the fourth round of Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

His career high ATP ranking is no. 9, achieved on 22 February 2010, following his best-ever performance at a Grand Slam, reaching the semi-finals in the 2010 Australian Open. Čilić developed his career at a young age; his potential was realized by local hometown coaches who saw him play and encouraged his move to Zagreb for further training. He was soon befriended by his fellow countryman Goran Ivanišević who introduced him to current coach Bob Brett. He went on to turn professional in 2005.

2011:

Cilic began the season with a first-round loss to Kei Nishikori in Chennai, failing to defend his title.

At the 2011 Australian Open he progressed to the round of 16, defeating Donald Young, Santiago Giraldo, and then John Isner in a five-set match, 4-6, 6-2, 6-7(5), 7-6(2), 9-7. In the fourth round, he lost to world no. 1 Rafael Nadal, 2-6, 4-6, 3-6.

Next, he went to Zagreb to defend another title. Again, he was unable to do so, falling to Florian Mayer in the quarterfinals, 3-6, 4-6.

Cilic played next in Rotterdam and lost to Viktor Troicki in the quarterfinals, 5-7, 3-6.

He then played in Marseille, where he was unseeded. He defeated Tomáš Berdych 6–3, 6–4 in the quarterfinals and saved one match point in a comeback win against Mikhail Youzhny, winning 6–2, 1–6, 7–5. He lost to Robin Söderling 7–6(8), 3–6, 3–6 in the final.

Cilic played for Croatia in the World Group playoffs in the first round of the 2011 Davis Cup, defeating Florian Mayer in the opening singles rubber, 4-6, 6-0, 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. He leveled the tie at 2-2 by defeating Philipp Kohlschreiber in the first reverse singles rubber, 6-2, 6-3, 7-6(6). However, Germany ultimately won the tie, 3-2.

PERSONAL:

Nicknamed Mrnja from his uncle and family and friends call him that
Began playing at age seven with his cousin, Tanja who lived in Germany and would come over during summer to his home city and says "I liked playing from the beginning"
Parents Zdenko (father) and Koviljka (mother) are retired
Has three brothers, two older Vinko (25) and Goran (22), and one younger Mile (14), who is "most inspirational person because of his good advice"
Finished as No. 2 junior in world in 2005 (behind Donald Young) and won four international junior titles, including Roland Garros (d. Van Der Duim)
Also QF at other three junior Grand Slams
In doubles, captured three junior titles in five finals
Hobbies include playing soccer and his favorite teams are AC Milan and Croatia (admires players Kaka and Robinho)
Admires countrymen Goran Ivanisevic and Ivan Ljubicic
Enjoys playing on all surfaces but says hard and grass are best-suited for him because of his height and style of play
Considers backhand his strength
Has a 3-6 career Davis Cup record (2-4 in singles) in five ties
Fitness trainer is Ljubo Antekolovic and coached by Aussie Bob Brett
Practices at Bob Brett Academy in San Remo near French-Italian border.

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