Wimbledon 2012: Marin Cilic, the blessed big hitter

Cilic, the blessed big hitter

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UPDATED:

21:32 GMT, 1 July 2012

Marin Cilic – he's quite handy, isn't he

You're not wrong. The 23-year-old won Queen's last month, albeit thanks to David Nalbandian petulantly kicking an advertising board into a line judge.

But still, that win made it seven career titles.

Raw power: Marin Cilic will cause Murray problems

Raw power: Marin Cilic will cause Murray problems

What about his Grand Slam pedigree

Cilic reached the last eight of the US Open in 2009, losing to eventual champion Juan Martin Del Potro, and made the Australian Open semis in 2010.

He has history with Murray, right

Yes. Cilic beat Murray at the 2009 US Open but lost to him in Melbourne four months later.

They also met at the French Open in 2009 with Murray winning 7-5, 7-6, 6-1.

In all they have played each other six times, with Cilic coming out on top once.

Huge serve: Cilic can bomb from the baseline

Huge serve: Cilic can bomb from the baseline

So what's his story

Cilic was born and raised in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the tiny town of Medjugorje, which literally means 'between the mountains' and is home to just 4,000 people.

This might sound silly, but I'm sure I've heard of Medjugorje… however you pronounce it.

You have. It's where six children claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1981 and has been a site for religious pilgrimage ever since.

Roberto Mancini went there for inspiration when the title race was heating up in March.

Birthplace: Medjugorje, where six children were said to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1981

Birthplace: Medjugorje, where six children were said to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1981

So this guy's a bit blessed

Well, the town survived any damage during the war which raged between 1992 and 1995, during Cilic's infancy, despite neighbouring villages being destroyed.

He and two brothers were brought up as Roman Catholics by dad Zdenko and mum Koviljka.

When did he start playing

Aged three. The town had tennis courts built in 1991 and Cilic has said: 'My friends and I were among the first to play on it.'

It wasn't until he was seven, though, that his tennis-playing cousin Tanja started visiting from Germany every summer.

Prognasticator: Goran Ivanisevic predicted success for Cilic

Prognasticator: Goran Ivanisevic predicted success for Cilic

Why does he represent Croatia

He moved to Zagreb aged 13 for specialist coaching and better facilities.

Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion, practised with him at that age and predicted even then he would turn into a top-10 player.

What weapons does he possess

He's 6ft 6in and sends down a big serve. He also has a wicked forehand and is a surprisingly good mover across the court for a man of his size.

Roberto Mancini heads for religious break in Bosnia

Break from the mind games Mancini takes trip to famed religious site in Bosnia

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UPDATED:

08:42 GMT, 27 March 2012

Perhaps he was seeking inspiration in the title race. Or maybe he just fancied time away for Sir Alex Ferguson's mind games.

Whatever the reason, Man City boss Roberto Mancini decided to make a trip to a popular religious site in Bosnia on Monday.

Visit: Roberto Mancini is pictured leavign the Medjugorje Church during his Bosnia trip

Visit: Roberto Mancini is pictured leavign the Medjugorje Church during his Bosnia trip

All smiles: Mancini looked much more relaxed outside the church than on the touchline

All smiles: Mancini looked much more relaxed outside the church than on the touchline

Mancini was pictured paying a visit to Medjugorje Church, which is renowned for reports of apparitions of the Virgin Mary to local Catholics.

Six young people claim to have seen visions of the Mary back in 1981, apparently telling them that God sent her to to convert hearts back to the Lord.

Mancini, whose side are now three points off Manchester United after the 1-0 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Monday, has shown side's of stress in recent weeks as City have wobbled.

Sun is shining: Mancini appeared to be enjoying the sunshine during his trip away from Manchester

Sun is shining: Mancini appeared to be enjoying the sunshine during his trip away from Manchester

Famous face: Mancini mingled with the locals while making a visit to the church

Famous face: Mancini mingled with the locals while making a visit to the church

They have lost a seven-point lead at the top of the Barclays Premier League, while they have also crashed out of the Europa League.

Mancini knows that if he fails to deliver the title, there will be some calls for him to be sacked.

But he looked like he was quite happy to have some time away from the game as they enter the home straight.