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So just who is Marin Cilic?

September 09, 2014 10:37 IST

Marin Cilic of Croatia reacts after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan. Photograph: Elsa/Getty Images

Marin Cilic became the first Croatian to win a Grand Slam singles final in 13 years with his victory at the US Open in New York on Monday.

Cilic crushes Nishikori to win US Open

Is Marin Cilic a one Slam wonder or the next big thing?

Here are some facts on Cilic:

Born September 28, 1988 (Aged 25)

Began playing tennis when he was seven years old with a cousin who lived in Germany and would visit his home city during summer.

Enjoys playing on all surfaces but says hard and grass are best-suited for him because of his height and style of play.

In 2008, finished as his country's top player for the first time with a world number 22 ranking after winning a then-personal-high 37 matches, 23 more than the previous season.

US Open victory marked his 12th career singles title following wins in Delray Beach (2014), Zagreb (2014), Zagreb (2013), Umag (2012), London/Queen's Club (2012), St. Petersburg (2011), Zagreb (2010), Chennai (2010), Zagreb (2009), Chennai (2009) and New Haven (2008)

Path to US Open victory: beat Marcos Baghdatis 6-3, 3-1 (ret) in first round, Illya Marchenko 7-6(2), 6-2, 6-4 in second round, Kevin Anderson 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in third round, Gilles Simon 5-7, 7-6(3), 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in last 16, Tomas Berdych 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(4) in quarter-finals, Roger Federer 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 in semis and Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in final.

Source: REUTERS
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