9 things to know about tennis’ newest star — Marin Cilic
http://nypost.com/2014/09/09/9-things-to-know-about-tennis-newest-star-marin-cilic/
Marin Cilic became one of the most unexpected US Open champions ever, following his straight sets victory over Kei Nishikori Monday, but the 25-year-old Croatian remains mostly unknown to the country whose crown he just claimed.
With Roger Federer aging, Rafael Nadal often injured and Andy Murray struggling since winning Wimbledon last year, Cilic could be in line to contend for many more Grand Slam titles in the future.
Here are a few things you might not have known about tennis’ newest star:
- Cilic was listed as a 100-to-1 longshot to win the tournament when it began.
- Cilic didn’t play at last year’s US Open, having been banned for failing a drug test. He denied any wrongdoing, but served a four-month suspension for allegedly using Nikethamide, a banned stimulant.
- Cilic had plenty of reason to be partying in New York on Monday night, having won $3 million for his first Grand Slam title.
- When Cilic won the championship, he attempted to call his family back home from the court, but his cell phone couldn’t get any reception.
- Cilic is coached by Goran Ivanisevic, the former No. 2 player in the world who had been the last Croatian to win a Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2001 Wimbledon. That was the only time a wildcard had won the men’s singles title there. Cilic met his mentor when he was 14.
- Cilic has been with his girlfriend, Kristina Milkovich, for five years, though in January, Cilic said he wasn’t thinking about marriage. Milkovich has a background in psychology, which the 6-foot-6 Cilic says has helped him with his game.
- Cilic was born in Medjugorje, Bosnia, a town where multiple people have claim to have seen the Virgin Mary repeatedly.
- Cilic reached the Australian Open semifinals in 2010, but hadn’t reached that far in a Grand Slam since his dominant run in Flushing.
- Cilic was formerly the No. 1 junior player in the world.
Goran Ivanisevic chose the perfect student at the perfect time
http://nypost.com/2014/09/09/goran-ivanisevic-chose-the-perfect-student-at-the-perfect-time/