Seeing Double

If you've been watching professional tennis this year you might have caught notice of Marin Cilic. The 21-year-old Croatian has won two of his first three tournaments in 2010, his only loss coming in his first Grand Slam semifinal to an in-form Andy Murray.

He came into the year ranked number 14 and was called the "dark horse" of the Australian Open by many broadcasters. He lived up to the billing. After avenging his U.S. Open quarterfinal loss to eventual champion Juan Martin del Potro in the fourth round he upset Andy Roddick in a 5-set thriller in the quarterfinals. Read more about the match at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/tennis/8480029.stm.

Hitting the ball as big as ever and playing with the confidence of a top five player, Cilic seems destined to find his way into the Grand Slam conversation. But wait, hasn't this happened before?

A tall, big-serving Croatian rising to around the top ten after crossing the legal drinking age in the U.S. Wasn't it the same name, too?

Wrong.

It was Mario Ancic. They both weigh exactly the same (180 pounds), live in the same spot (Monte Carlo, Monaco), and represent Croatia. Only one inch, four letters, and four years separate the two eerily similar tennis players. See their profiles at http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Mario-Ancic.aspx AND http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Marin-Cilic.aspx.

Ancic entered 2006, the year he turned 21, ranked number 21 and in great form. During the year, he reached the quarterfinals of both the French Open and Wimbledon, losing to Federer in both tournaments. Soon after these good results, back problems stopped him from playing in the U.S. Open.

His fifth year on the tour ended with an injury and his sixth wasn't any kinder, as he found himself slowed down with Mononucleosis. His rapid drop through the rankings surprised many. Ancic, now 25, has failed to find the form that carried him to a career-high of number seven in the magical season of 2006.

Cilic, now in his fifth year as a pro, hopes he can avoid injury and live up to the expectations that have been set for him. Just like for Ancic, Federer will most likely be standing in the way at the French Open and Wimbeldon. Does Cilic have the game to do what Ancic couldn't?

They both play right-handed and hit two-handed backhands. They both idolize fellow countryman Goran Ivanesevic.

They even look alike. As the Doppelganger trend continues on Facebook, check this one out.







Photo of Marin Cilic courtesy of xinhuanet.com













Photo of Mario Ancic courtesy of vivanews.com






Do the similarities end?

Cilic better hope they do.

Cilic captured this year's Zagreb Indoors, defending his title. Who did he defeat in last year's final? None other than Ancic by the score of 6-3, 6-4, ironically in a tournament in Croatia.


Video of player introductions compliments of Youtube