Intro:

US Open champion Marin Cilic arrived back in his home town of Medugorje in Bosnia on Tuesday (September 16th) and received a hero's welcome.

Script:

On Tuesday, hundreds gathered in Marin Cilic's hometown to welcome home the US Open Champion.

Although he now represents Croatia, Cilic was born in the Bosnian town of Medjugorje, then part of Yugoslavia.

Cilic became the first Croat to clinch one of the four Grand Slam titles since his coach Goran Ivanisevic won at Wimbledon in 2001. He beat Kei Nishikori in straight sets.

Cilic has hailed the former Wimbledon winner, Ivanisevic, as the "little kick" that he needed to take his game to Grand Slam winning territory.

The US Open Champion was presented with a painting of himself alongside the Virgin Mary, and was clearly overwhelmed by the occasion...

"I wish to thank my parents, all my dearest who were always there for me. They gave me strength and support. Without them, I would never have achieved this for sure. And also thanks to God, our Virgin Mary, for showing me the way and for giving me the ultimate strength. And because they awarded me with this day today, which has made me the happiest man alive."

Following the service, Cilic was then presented at a concert held in his honour.

With Marin Cilic displacing Andy Murray in the World's Top 10, the future looks bright for the 25-year-old.