A lot has changed for Marin Cilic since he was a child growing up in a Bosnian village with a population of less than 5000 people.
The world No.4 was born in Medjugorje, a place of special interest for thousands of Catholics around the world. Many visit the region due to the reported sightings of the virgin Mary by six children during the 1980s. It is also the place where Cilic and fellow compatriot Ivan Dodig first developed their love for tennis.
“I came from a small town with only 5000 inhabitants, which is very famous among the Catholics. Medjugorje.” Cilic told Blick.ch.
“More than a million pilgrims come there every year. I and Ivan Dodig grew up together. He has become the double Grand Slam champion and has been part of the ATP Finals. For us, from this small village, this is very amazing. When we started to train, we only had a tennis court. Tennis was a dream for me.”
Cilic briefly represented Bosnia and Herzegovina during his junior years before switching to Croatia. He once referred to the change of nationalities as ‘political.’ Both countries were former members of Yugoslavia and there was a high Croatian population in Herzegovina.
Whilst the nationality have changed, one thing remained the same. Cilic’s religion. Due to his birthplace, the 29-year-old describes himself as ‘very catholic.’ Visiting the Vatican multiple times and attending special gatherings to watch the Pope.
“I am very Catholic. I was raised in a very Catholic way. Every Sunday we went to the church.” Explained Cilic.
“I have seen Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. Unfortunately, I never met them personally.”
More consistent than ever
Throughout his career, Cilic has established himself as one of Croatia’s most successful tennis players. He has won a total of 17 ATP titles, including the 2014 US Open. He is the second man from his country to win a grand slam title after Goran Ivanisevic. This season he has won the Istanbul Open followed by reaching the finals in Queen’s and Wimbledon.
“I am more consistent than ever before with my tennis. In my last six tournaments I reached five times at least the semi-finals. So I can challenge the guys at the top.” Said the 29-year-old.
“On the other hand, it does not change much for me whether I am 4, 6 or 8 (in the world). I just concentrate on tennis. There will always be ups and downs.”
Cilic is looking to continue his run of form at the Swiss Indoors. He is the defending champion in the event, but is seeded second behind home favourite Roger Federer. It is a daunting task awaiting the world No.4, who is hoping to cash in on his new found confidence.
“I have developed as a player over the last twelve months. I understand myself better now. Parts of my game have become better. I am on the right track to reach my best level.”
The scheduling
In recent months questions have been raised over the scheduling of the ATP Tour following a series of high-profile injuries. Out of the eight highest ranked players at the end of 2016, only three are still playing this season. Cilic, Dominic Thiem and Gael Monfils. Despite the absences, Cilic believes that is no need for concern.
“I think it’s coincidence. Top players are, I don’t want to say ‘older’, but have been on the Tour for a lot of years. Novak [Djokovic], Andy [Murray], Stan [Wawrinka], [Kei] Nishikori and [Milos] Raonic have been in the top-10 or top-15 for a while.”
Milos Raonic, who ended his season early due to injury, has called for a shortening of the season to seven months. Although that may not be the answer according to his Croatian opponent. In his opinion, the problems lie with how players manage their schedules.
“It doesn’t matter how many tournaments are there. You make the schedule that you think it’s most suitable to you.’ He concluded.
Cilic will play Fernando Verdasco is his first match in Basel.
