Marin Cilic Best Pictures

FIRST there was the man himself, Goran Ivanisevic, the towering, big-serving lefty who won Wimbledon in 2001. Then there was Mario Ancic, who was slightly taller, with a serve just as mighty, but a fragile body. Yesterday, it was the turn for the latest player to emerge from Croatia, Marin Cilic, to step into the limelight.

Cilic, who is 19 and ranked No. 71 in the world, grew up idolising Ivanisevic and plays the same firebrand game. As rain fell outside yesterday, Cilic took to centre court and, just like Ivanisevic, used his huge serve to dismantle an opponent, in this case last year's beaten finalist, Fernando Gonzalez.

Cilic is flattered by the comparisons to Ancic, who rose to No. 9 in the world two years ago before injury and illness cruelled his game. Ancic has not played a grand slam match since losing to Andy Roddick in the fourth round of this tournament last year. Asked last night if he is the new Ancic, Cilic was unsure.

Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic
Marin Cilic