Marin Čilić Launches Foundation in London

Ivan Ljubičić, Marin Čilić and Goran Ivanišević in London at the launch

Croatian tennis star Marin Čilić has officially launched The Marin Čilić Foundation at a dinner attended by some of the games former stars…

Čilić (27), who has won 14 tour titles, including the U.S Open in 2014, wants to use foundation to help expand educational opportunities for those who do not have possibilities.

“I was very fortunate in my own life with my own achievements and with my own success. I want to give something back and also give some opportunities for some people and some kids that don’t have as many possibilities to pursue their dreams,” Čilić said.

Čilić was supported in London at his launch by his coach Goran Ivanišević, former stars Tim Henman, Ivan Ljubičić, Thomas Johansson and Rainer Schuettler, as well as World No. 11 David Goffin and his occasional doubles partner Marin Draganja who all turned up to the gala dinner at the South Place Hotel. Famous mentalist Danny Blue provided the entertainment on the night.

Marin with the U.S Open trophy in 2014

Čilić plans to give something back through the foundation and says he will use it to support all types of projects around the world. He wants to also focus on providing the youth of Croatia improved access to education.

“The main focus is to try to help kids as much as we can. We will organise some events for kids, find talent and offer scholarships, help them to train and travel…” he said.

“Everybody from our region, we all started with small steps. I would say in a really humble way, we started from really zero, from nothing. You always remember those first steps and looking back, of course you want to give back something, and Marin is no different. I am really glad and happy to be invited and to support him in this important moment, and I am sure it’s the beginning of something beautiful and big,” Ljubičić said.