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Ivanisevic’s naming as Croatian skipper delayed
29 December 2005
Croatia's Tennis Association (HTS) has delayed until next month the appointment of former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic as their new Davis Cup captain, state news agency Hina reported on Wednesday.
Local media said earlier this week that Ivanisevic would succeed Niki Pilic, who led Croatia to their first Davis Cup title this year, after Wednesday's meeting with HTS president Radimir Cacic.
An HTS official told Hina that Cacic and Ivanisevic had agreed to meet again on Jan 16 to define the future roles of Ivanisevic – who retired in 2004 due to a shoulder injury – and Pilic.
However, Pilic told Hina that everything was practically agreed.
“I will cede my post to Ivanisevic, but will stay on with the team to help as an adviser,” he said.
Croatia beat Slovakia in the Davis Cup final earlier this month. The 34-year-old Ivanisevic, who won Wimbledon as a wildcard in 2001, came out of retirement for the final and was on the team but did not play.
Croatia will begin the defence of their title against Austria in Graz in February.
Ivanisevic to captain Croatia Davis Cup team
27 December 2005
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic is likely to be appointed Croatia's Davis Cup captain, daily newspaper Jutarnji List reported on Tuesday.
Croatia, led by coach Niki Pilic, won the Davis Cup beating Slovakia in the final earlier this month.
The daily said Ivanisevic, who retired in 2004 because of a shoulder injury, was due to meet the head of the Croatian Tennis Association (HTS) on Wednesday for final talks.
"As it seems now, I'm likely to take over as the team captain from Pilic, who will stay on as my adviser," the 34-year-old Ivanisevic told the paper.
"I believe we will carry on with good results after this sensational triumph. It is now up to us to break with a tradition that Davis Cup winners almost regularly lose in the first round the following season," Ivanisevic said.
Ivanisevic was included in Croatia's team for the final but did not play a match.
Croatia begin the defence of their title against Austria in Graz in February.
Croatian team returns to rapturous welcome
05 December 2005
Croatia's tennis team returned to a rapturous welcome Monday after winning the Davis Cup, one of the country's biggest sports achievements since gaining independence 13 years ago.
Tens of thousands of fans braved light rain to greet the players in Zagreb's main square after their 3-2 victory over Slovakia in Bratislava. Confetti fluttered across the square and flares lit up the sky as pop stars and other enterainters performed on a big stage.
''This was a team effort,'' Mario Ancic, who won Sunday's decisive fifth match, told the crowd. ''This is our victory. This is Croatia's victory.''
Zagreb was brought to a virtual standstill as people took the day off from work and children skipped school for the celebrations, which were carried live on national television.
''This is a big, big thing,'' said Ivanisevic, a former Wimbledon champion. ''We partied all night, but I'm not quite sure it has sunk in yet just what the boys have accomplished and how big it is.''
''There's only one word to describe this - pride,'' Ljubicic said. ''I just hope it's not our last (trophy). We're young. We'll bring more in the future.''
Ancic - nicknamed ''Baby Goran'' for similarities with Ivanisevic - sealed the title by beating Michal Mertinak 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-4 in Sunday's decisive fifth match.
Monday's Croatian newspapers were splashed with photos of the players holding the trophy aloft and dancing in the national colours of red, white and blue. Headlines blared ''Champions of the World,'' ''The Best,'' and ''It's Ours.''
Television and radio stations were flooded with tributes to the team. The players' airport arrival was carried live on national TV.
On Sunday, main streets and squares in cities across Croatia were deserted as millions stayed indoors watching live broadcasts of the final. When Ancic won match point to secure the title, Croatians took to their cars, honking horns and waving flags.
President Stipe Mesic sent a telegram to the team hailing ''one of our homeland's most significant victories in its sporting history.'' Prime Minister Ivo Sanader, who watched at courtside, also sent congratulations.
Croatia is the 12th country to win the Davis Cup in the competition's 105-year history.
Croatia's Nikki Pilic became the first captain to win the trophy for different teams. He led Germany to Davis Cup titles in 1988, 1989 and 1993.
''There is no comparison. Today I won with my people,'' Pilic said Sunday.
Lifting one of the most prized trophies in sports was Croatia's biggest success in a team event since the country won independence in 1991 during the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, eclipsing the soccer team's third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup.
Ivanisevic's 2001 Wimbledon title and Janica Kostelic's four Olympic ski medals, including three gold at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, remain Croatia's top individual sports achievements.
Ivanisevic, who has retired from the ATP Tour, wasn't selected to play either the singles or doubles, but was a member of the four-man squad.
''We are at the top of Mt. Everest,'' he said. ''This is the pinnacle.''
Goran predicts glory for Croatia
05 December 2005
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic has tipped Croatia to dominate world tennis after winning the Davis Cup.
Ivanisevic picked up a winner's medal as part of the Croatia team that beat Slovakia 3-2 in the final in Bratislava.
Ivansievic was not called into action during the final and he has backed his victorious team-mates to repeat their success.
He said: "If it stays together this team can dominate for five years. This team has a big future."
Ivan Ljubicic won a record 11 consecutive live rubbers in Croatia's run to the final, but failed to make it 12 when he lost a five-set match against Domink Hrbaty in the final.
Mario Ancic clinched victory by winning the decisive fifth rubber against Michal Mertinak.
Croatia captain Niki Pilic said: "Other countries are bigger than us but both nations deserved to be in the final.
"For us this is incredible because in the next five years, a lot of kids in Croatia will play tennis, knowing that our team are world champions.
"For tennis, and for sport in Croatia this is beautiful. We started five years ago in the third league but Goran, Ljubicic and Mario believed that we could be much better than that."
Ivanisevic basks in reflected glory from Croatia's Davis Cup trophy
05 December 2005
Even while basking in the reflected glory of Croatia's 3-2 Davis Cup finals triumph over Slovakia, Goran Ivanisevic would not trade the nation's prize trophy for the joy he experienced when he won Wimbledon four years ago.
"Wimbledon, I did it by myself," said the former clown prince of the sport, who lifted the title of his dreams on the grass. "This is different. But this is after Wimbledon - second place."
Hailed by the current generation of Croatian tennis stars, Ivanisevic was more than happy to be a part of a team which made history by winning a first-ever Davis Cup for a nation which barely existed a decade ago.
While the 34-year-old who was called out of retirement to become a part of the precedent-setting team which wrote a page in the record books did not play, he remains an integral part of the victory.
And Ivanisevic admitted: riding the bench in the heat of battle is no picnic.
"It's much tougher to sit down because you can just scream and lose the voice, like I did today," he said. "You can help a little bit with advice.
"But it's easier when you play, you get your emotion out, you scream, you yell, you do whatever you want, you play. But it's tough to sit down. It's much easier to play."
Playing was not a slam-dunk however, for Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic, the two-man side which eventually got the job done during the three-day struggle with the Slovaks.
Ljubicic played Sunday's reverse singles against the opponent's number one Dominik Hrbatry, all while feeling the pain from a blocked neck and the upset stomach from the drugs he took to try and overcome the problem.
Despite taking the first set, Ljubicic, ranked a career-best ninth in the world, was unable to close out the win, falling in five.
That left the decisive fifth rubber in the hands of Ancic. His straight-sets win over Slovak world number 165 Michal Mertinak to ice the victory was also not what it seemed.
"I cannot say I was cool as ice, which I was not," said the 23-year-old ranked 22nd. "It was a very nervous start.
"I had a lot of break points which I couldn't use. But then I really stepped up in the tiebreak. From that moment, I think I was in control of the match."
The trophy was the fourth in Davis Cup for Croatian captain Niki Pilic, who led a Germany featuring Boris Becker to the title in the last 1980s.
But Sunday's victory was special to the Croatian-born skipper.
"I won this already three times with the Germans, but to win with Croatian people, the people that I know very, very well, (shows) that we have very good atmosphere all year long," said Pilic.
"I'm really proud of my boys, the way that they fight for their country, and the support they give to each other.
"We started five years ago in the third division. Goran and Ljubicic and Mario and myself believed that we can do much better.
"We didn't talk about winning. But today, I'm the only guy in the world to win with two nations Davis Cup, but that is not this important.
"What's important is the feeling in my own people we won it. This is for us an historic moment."
Ljubicic said that his 2005 season is one he will always remember.
"I think it's fantastic win, it will never be forgotten. It's going to be written in the books forever.
"It's fantastic really. Almost before Goran stopped, we start to play well. I hope the other young guys are coming up. It's never going to end.
"Tennis, it's beautiful sport. It has huge tradition in Croatia. I hope the other generations are going to come up because it's really nice to see that other young guys are actually playing well."
Ivanisevic savours Davis Cup glory
05 December 2005
Goran Ivanisevic revelled in Croatia's historic Davis Cup triumph over Slovakia on Sunday after being a reluctant spectator all week.
"It was tough, tough to sit down and go through all these matches," the former Wimbledon champion said after Croatia became the first unseeded nation to win the trophy with a 3-2 victory in the final.
"It's easier to play, you get out all the emotions."
The 34-year-old Ivanisevic last played for Croatia in 2003 and has since retired from the ATP Tour because of nagging shoulder injuries.
However, he was named by captain Niki Pilic as Croatia's fourth player for the final.
World number nine Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic ended up playing all five matches in the tie, relegating Ivanisevic to the sidelines.
Ivanisevic, who has appeared in a record 26 Davis Cup ties for Croatia and compiled an excellent 48-15 win-loss record, had to settle for being an inspirational cheerleader in the Sibamac Arena.
"Wimbledon I won by myself, this is different. But this comes after Wimbledon," added Ivanisevic, who has said he would like to become Croatia's Davis Cup captain in the future.
A fiercely proud Croat, Ivanisevic won two bronze medals at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, was three times a Wimbledon runner-up and finally clinched an emotional Grand Slam title at the All England Club in 2001.
Croatia wins first Davis Cup title
04 December 2005
Mario Ancic beat Michal Mertinak of Slovakia 7-6 (1), 6-3, 6-4 to secure Croatia's first Davis Cup title Sunday.
The final was decided in the fifth match after Dominik Hrbaty had pulled Slovakia level at 2-2 by beating a hurting Ivan Ljubicic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4.
Ancic then beat Mertinak to clinch the best-of-five series between two first-time finalists.
Croatia's Nikki Pilic became the first captain to win the trophy for different nations. He led Germany to Davis Cup titles in 1988, 1989 and 1993.
Croatia became the 12th champion in the competition's 105-year history.
Lifting one of the most prized trophies in sports was Croatia's biggest success in a team event since the country became independent in 1991 during the violent break-up of Yugoslavia. The soccer team's third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup had been considered as Croatia's biggest success so far.
Goran Ivanisevic, who came out of retirement for the final, added the Davis Cup championship to his 2001 Wimbledon title.
He wasn't selected to play either the singles or doubles, but was a member of the four-man squad.
Ivanisevic's Wimbledon title and Janica Kostelic's four Olympic medals, including three gold, at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002, remain the young country's top individual achievements in sports.
Ivanisevic has been the mentor Ancic, who also hails from the Dalmatian port city Split, also the home town of Pilic.
Ancic never won a match that counted this year in Davis Cup, but he took the biggest one of them all. Ranked No. 22 in the world, he simply overwhelmed the 165th-ranked Mertinak, who has played mostly challenger events all year and who is primarily a doubles specialist.
Karol Kucera had been scheduled to play the last match for Slovakia, but the 31-year-old veteran, who plans to retire after the weekend, has hardly played this year and Slovakia captain Miloslav Mecir decided to send in Mertinak instead.
Slovakia was without its No. 2, Karol Beck, who was nominated but withdrawn Friday after aggravating a left-knee injury. He has denied unconfirmed reports of flunking a doping test after the semifinal win over Argentina.
Hrbaty ended Ljubicic's unbeaten run in Davis Cup play this year and beat the Croat for the first time in six career meetings.
"The key factor of success is two words -- and that's Davis Cup," Hrbaty said. "I don't know why I play so well in Davis Cup.
"I know I was playing my game and as the match progressed I was feeling more and more comfortable. I believed I could clinch a best-of-five as Ivan had lost some five-setters recently," Hrbaty added.
Ljubicic was 4-10 in five-setters in his career, while Hrbaty went in with a 12-7 record.
Ljubicic failed to equal John McEnroe's 1982 record of 12 Davis Cup wins in a single year -- eight singles and four doubles. Ljubicic finished the year 11-1.
"I woke up with a completely blocked neck and we worked on it all morning. I didn't know if I would play or not," Ljubicic said. "It was probably the most difficult decision I had to make in my career -- to play or not."
Ljubicic said he had to vomit when he left the court during the third set because he felt ill after taking painkillers. He also said he had trouble concentrating during the match.
"But Dominik really played well and deserved to win, it was the best match he played against me," Ljubicic said.
Ljubicic appeared to be cruising when he won the first set. But he fell behind 3-0 in the second and Hrbaty rode the momentum to take a 2-1 lead in sets.
The Slovak, ranked No. 19 in the world, committed two double-faults and a backhand error in dropping his serve to give Ljubicic a 5-3 lead in the fourth.
Ljubicic, who won two tournaments in October and finished runner-up in two others to rise to No. 9 in the world, closed the set with an ace. He finished with 29 aces, nearly twice as many as Hrbaty's 15.
There were no breaks of serve in the final set until the last game.
Ljubicic needed to win the game to stay in the match, but Hrbaty then got the benefit of the doubt on a pair of close calls, Ljubicic hit a backhand into the net and Hrbaty held a match point.
A backhand winner down the line saved it for Ljubicic, but a backhand volley again put Hrbaty one shot away from winning.
Ljubicic saved it, too, but then put a backhand into the net.
Hrbaty ripped off his shirt and tossed it into the Slovak half of the noisy, 4,000-strong crowd in the Sibamac Arena.
But in the end, it was the Croat section that broke into song.
Ivanisevic and Mecir receive Davis Cup Award of Excellence
04 December 2005
The International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation announced that Croatia’s Goran Ivanisevic and the Slovak Republic’s Miloslav Mecir are the 2005 recipients of the Davis Cup Award of Excellence. The awards were presented on Sunday, December 4th during the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Final between Croatia and the Slovak Republic, held in Bratislava, Slovak Republic. This prestigious award was presented to Ivanisevic and Mecir by Francesco Ricci Bitti, President of the International Tennis Federation, 1984 Hall of Famer Neale Fraser, the first recipient of the Davis Cup Award of Excellence (2001), and France’s Pierre Darmon, the 2002 Davis Cup Award of Excellence recipient.
“The Davis Cup Award of Excellence represents outstanding achievement in international competition,” said Francesco Ricci Bitti. “Goran and Miloslav have been exceptional, spirited competitors for their countries, and as they both continue to pursue excellence in tennis, we are proud to honor them as this year’s Davis Cup award recipients.”
The purpose of this award is to recognize the importance of Davis Cup international team competition and its mission by honoring individuals who represent these ideals. The Davis Cup Award of Excellence is presented to a person(s) who represents the ideals and spirit of Davis Cup competition. The recipient(s) must be a member of a past or present Davis Cup team, and must be from the country/region where the Final is being held.
Goran Ivanisevic, who is scheduled to play in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribus Final, was born September 13, 1971 in Split, Croatia. The powerful, 6’4” left-handed Croat first played Davis Cup in 1993, and has competed for 9 years. He has played in 18 ties and has posted a 33-11 overall win-loss record (20-6 in singles; 13-5 in doubles). He is the most notable Croatian Davis Cup player, holding all Croatia’s records (Most total wins-33; Most singles wins-20; Most doubles wins-13; Most ties played-18; Most years played-9) and is one-half of the country’s best doubles team (with Ivan Ljubicic, undefeated at 6-0). Ivanisevic also has a 15-4 win-loss record (8-3 in singles; 7-1 in doubles) representing the former Yugoslavia. His combined record under both flags ranks the Croat amongst the top 100 in total Davis Cup wins. In addition to his Davis Cup results, Ivanisevic won the men’s Wimbledon Singles Championship in 2001 after reaching the singles final three previous times (1998, 1994, 1992). Since turning pro in 1988, he has captured 22 career singles titles and 9 career doubles titles, reaching a career-high singles rank of No. 2 in July, 1994.
Miloslav Mecir, captain of the Slovak Republic’s Davis Cup team, was born May 19, 1964 in Bojnice, Czechoslovakia. Quick and agile at 6’3”, Mecir played Davis Cup from 1983-1989 and participated in 13 ties, posting a 23-9 overall win-loss record (18-8 in singles; 5-1 in doubles). Nicknamed “The Big Cat” because of his seemingly effortless movement, Mecir won the Olympic singles gold medal in 1988. He reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 4 in February 1988. In his 10-year pro career, Mecir captured 10 singles titles and 9 doubles titles, retiring from the professional tennis circuit in 1991.
Inaugurated in 2001 by the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the International Tennis Federation, past Davis Cup Award of Excellence recipients include Neale Fraser of Australia (2001), Pierre Darmon of France (2002), John Newcombe (1986 Hall of Famer) of Australia in 2003, and Manuel Santana (1984 Hall of Famer) of Spain in 2004.
The Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final was held at the Sibamac Arena National Tennis Center in Bratislava December 2-4. The Davis Cup Award of Excellence presentation was made during a special on-court ceremony, prior to Sunday’s tennis competition.
For more information regarding the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Final, including match reports, photos and radio broadcasts visit the official website www.daviscup.com. For more information regarding the International Tennis Hall of Fame and its programs, visit www.tennisfame.com.
Goran Inteview - Audio
01 December 2005
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Ivanisevic not selected for Davis final
01 December 2005
Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia might get a Davis Cup title without setting foot on the court.
The 34-year-old former Wimbledon champion, who came out of retirement for the Davis Cup, was not selected in Thursday's draw for the best-of-five series between the first-time finalists, Croatia and Slovakia.
"Doesn't matter if I play or not," Ivanisevic said. "I was always part of the team, but now I am a member.
"The tennis I am playing at the moment is good enough. And we came here to win."
Croatia captain Nikki Pilic said Ivanisevic's invitation was not a reward for past services to the country.
"At the moment Goran is playing such a high level of tennis he is definitely No. 4 in the team," Pilic said. "He surprised me, too, the way he was playing the last four or five days.
"This is the main reason he is on the team."
Pilic went with Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic for the opening singles. Ivanisevic still could be brought in as a late replacement, but wasn't so sure how good that might be.
"If we win 3-1, there is no point of playing because everybody's going to be drunk," he said.
Ljubicic, Croatia's top player, will face Karol Beck, Slovakia's No. 2, in the opening singles Friday. Ancic will play Dominik Hrbaty in the second match.
In Saturday's doubles, Beck and Mihal Mertinak are scheduled to face Ljubicic and Ancic. Team captains can change their lineups until one hour before play.
The reverse singles are scheduled for Sunday: Hrbaty versus Ljubicic, and Beck versus Ancic.
Ivanisevic, who won Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard, retired from ATP singles play four years ago because of a chronic shoulder injury. He last played Davis Cup, in doubles, in 2003. He made a brief return to the tour in 2004, advancing to the third round at Wimbledon.
There will be no more comebacks.
"Returning to pro tennis, no chance," he said. "I'm very happy that this Davis Cup is finishing soon because I don't have to practice any more.
"That's why I stopped playing tennis, because I couldn't practise any more."
Ivanisevic would like to succeed Pilic as captain, and believes the team can dominate in Davis Cup for the next five or six years if the players remain.
"I said last year they have a chance to win the Davis Cup," Ivanisevic said. "I don't think anybody believed me, but now we're in the final.
Champions Tour - Essen, Germany
27 - 30 October 2005
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Pat Cash d. Thomas Muster 6-0, 6-1
John McEnroe d. Mikael Pernfors 6-2, 6-2
Goran Ivanisevic d. Petr Korda 6-2, 6-4
Anders Jarryd d. Jim Courier 7-6, 7-6
Friday, October 28, 2005
Goran Ivanisevic d. Anders Jarryd 7-5, 6-4
Jim Courier d. Petr Korda 6-4, 6-4
John McEnroe d. Thomas Muster 6-2, 6-3
Mikael Pernfors d. Pat Cash 6-2, 7-6(5)
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Anders Jarryd d. Petr Korda 3-6, 6-2, 10-5 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Goran Ivanisevic d. Jim Courier 4-6, 6-4, 12-10 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
John McEnroe d. Pat Cash 5-7, 6-3, 10-8(on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Thomas Muster d. Mikael Pernfors 2-6, 6-3, 10-7 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Sunday, October 30, 2005
3rd/4th place play-off
Anders Jarryd d. Mikael Pernfors 6-3, 7-6
The Final
Goran Ivanisevic d. John McEnroe 6-3, 6-4
Surface: GreenSet
Official Ball: Dunlop
Format: Singles (Round Robin)
International Broadcaster: CNBC Asia, CNBC Europe
Domestic Host Broadcaster: TBC
Road To London Concludes With Goran On Fire
30 October 2005
Goran Ivanisevic believes he is playing better tennis now than when he last appeared at Wimbledon in 2004.
The Croatian defeated John McEnroe 6-3, 6-4 to win the Deichmann Champions Trophy in Essen, and further extended his lead at the top of the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings.
“I am playing much better tennis now than when I reached the third round at Wimbledon last year,” said Ivanisevic.
“I’m much more relaxed, my shoulder doesn’t hurt, my serving rhythm is better and I’m practicing hard.”
Those words will be good news for Croatian Davis Cup captain Nikki Pillic as he primes his team for their final against Slovakia in the same week as the Champions Masters.
“If they pick me to play I will be ready,” confirmed Ivanisevic.
“It’s very tough to beat me when I play like this, even for guys on the regular tour.”
While the Davis Cup final is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Ivanisevic, he once again expressed his disappointed that it meant he would not be able to play in the Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall after being the dominant player throughout the year.
“It’s a real shame because I committed myself to the Champions Tour, I’ve played all these tournaments throughout the year so that I could reach the Masters where the 12 best guys play in a perfect venue, and now I can’t play. I’m still young though and I want to be at the Albert Hall next year.”
The ten qualifiers for the event have now been decided.
Sweden’s Anders Jarryd forced his way into the qualification positions by finishing third in Essen. Jarryd defeated compatriot and former French Open finalist Mikael Pernfors 6-3, 7-6 in the third/fourth place play-off. Pernfors moved up to No.11 in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings, and although only the top 10 qualify automatically, he will compete in London with Ivanisevic away at the Davis Cup final.
The other two players to qualify for the season-ending event are both Dutch – the 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek and former World No.1 doubles player, Paul Haarhuis.
The Champions Masters will take place between November 29 and December 4. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards. There is a $100,000 prize on offer for the winner.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
"Bring It On, Goran," Says McEnroe
29 October 2005
John McEnroe set up a dream final against Goran Ivanisevic at the Deichmann Champions Trophy in Essen after a stunning 5-7, 6-3, 10-8 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) win over Pat Cash on Saturday.
On a day when all four matches went to a deciding third set Champions’ Tie-Break, Ivanisevic overcame Jim Courier 4-6, 6-4, 12-10.
McEnroe looked to be struggling when he dropped the first set and appeared to pull up injured in the second. But, showing real guts, he fought back to win, and now can’t wait to get his hands on Ivanisevic in the final.
“Bring it on, let’s see what he’s got,” said McEnroe.
“If I didn’t think I could beat him I wouldn’t step on the court. Goran hits the ball so big that you really have to react fast, but that’s what I want – to play these guys at their best.”
The battle for third and fourth positions will take place between Swedish pair Anders Jarryd and Mikael Pernfors. Jarryd overcame Petr Korda, while Pernfors lost to Thomas Muster, and just about went through.
There will be more than just pride at stake between Jarryd and Pernfors.
Both are currently outside the qualification positions for the season-ending Masters at the Royal Albert Hall, so there is a real incentive for one of them to get the additional 75 points for finishing third here in Essen.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters which takes place between November 29 and December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards. There is a $100,000 prize on offer for the winner in London.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Ivanisevic powers past Krajicek
16 October 2005
Goran Ivanisevic beat home favourite Richard Krajicek to retain his Alex Tennis Classics title in Eindhoven.
Ivanisevic won a typically big-serrving encounter 7-6 7-6 to take his career record against Krajicek to 10-3.
"It doesn't matter what I do against him he seems to get the better of me," said a disappointed Krajicek.
Ivanisevic will not play at the Tour of Champions finale in London because he has been called up to the Croatia squad for the Davis Cup final.
For Ivanisevic it was an enjoyable victory after a tough loss against Paul Haarhuis in the round-robin stages.
"I'm really happy to defend my title, particularly as I lost to the tournament director on the first day!" he said.
In the 3rd/4th place play-off, John McEnroe registered his first victory over Jim Courier on the Champions Tour, winning 6-4 4-6 10-8 (on a champions' tie-break).
The final stage on the Delta Tour of Champions before the London finale is the Deichmann Champions Trophy in Essen, Germany, from 27-30 October.
Ivanisevic chases Davis Cup dream
14 October 2005
Goran Ivanisevic has committed himself to Croatia's Davis Cup cause and pulled out of November's Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall. The 2001 Wimbledon champion had been due in London for the Tour of Champions finale from 29 November to 4 December.
But the 34-year-old has changed his plans after a shock call-up for the Davis Cup final against Slovakia.
"This is a chance of a lifetime for me to be in the Croatian team for the Davis Cup final," he said.
"Who knows if it is ever going to happen again?"
Ivanisevic had already qualified for the Albert Hall event but it clashes with the Davis Cup final, which takes place over the weekend 2-4 December.
"I think the tournament and the spectators will understand that this is a one-time opportunity for me and I plan to play a lot of Masters' in the future," he said.
"Trust me, I will be there in London next year."
Ivanisevic was called out of retirement by Croatia team captain Niki Pilic, and may be brought in for the doubles rubber.
Thanks to Rach, Goran Online Forum.
Ivanisevic v Rafter DVD
07 October 2005
Thanks to jimisak, Goran Online Forum, for this news. It looks like the classic Wimbledon final of 2001 between our very own Goran Ivanisevic and Pat Rafter is to be released on DVD. It has a release date of November 28...you can pre-order it at the following sites - amazon.co.uk and play.com
Crucial role for Ivanisevic
25 September 2005
SPLIT, Croatia, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic will come out of retirement to play for a place in December's Davis Cup final against Slovakia.
The left-handed powerhouse, who quit in 2003 because of a nagging shoulder injury, will take on compatriot Sasa Tuksar for a place in the final squad, Croatia's captain Niki Pilic said after Sunday's semi-final victory over Russia.
"I'm telling everyone now for the first time that there will be a one-off match between Goran and Sasa at my club in Munich," Pilic told reporters.
"It will be held on a fast rebound ace court at 500m altitude, and that will help Goran," he added with a smile.
"Whoever wins will be the fourth player. But if Goran loses he will still be with us for the final. If Goran wins Sasa will also still be with us."
Croatia's assistant coach and unnofficial chief cheer-leader, Ivanisevic led the celebrations at Split's Gripe Sports Hall after Ivan Ljubicic capped a superb weekend by beating Nikolay Davydenko 6-3 7-6 6-4 to give the hosts a decisive 3-1 lead over Russia.
REAL HERO
Ivanisevic, who won Wimbledon as a wildcard in 2001, confirmed he is ready to play in the final.
"It's not for me to decide, I'll be there as fourth player or as assistant coach, whatever, I'll be there," the 34-year-old Croatian sporting hero told Reuters.
"I know this team can win the Davis Cup."
Ivanisevic paid tribute to the 26-year-old Ljubicic, who has won nine out of nine matches as his country beat the United States, Romania and now 2002 champion Russia to reach their first Davis Cup final.
"This should be called the Ljubicic Cup not the Davis Cup," said Ivanisevic. "It's unbelievable to win nine matches in a row, not easy matches either.
"(Andre) Agassi, (Andy) Roddick, (Andrei) Pavel, (Victor) Hanescu, now Mikhail Youzhny and Davydenko, he won all three doubles, he's a real hero.
"For us to be in the final is great for the sport, the country, it's unbelievable."
Ivanisevic, who won 33 Davis Cup rubbers for Croatia, said playing was far easier than sitting on the sidelines.
"It's much tougher watching," he said. "You want to help but you can't, you have to sit, you can't get out of your seat.
"When you're playing you can control the situation, your emotions, but when you're sitting you can only yell and scream."
Pilic said leading Croatia to the final beats the feeling of his three success with Germany in 1988, 1989 and 1993.
"For me this is much better," he said. "We are a small nation with four million people. It's a fantastic achievement for Croatia, I'm very proud of my guys.
"I really believe we have a very good chance of beating Slovakia in Bratislava."
Crucial role for Ivanisevic
22 September 2005
The record Davis Cup appearance holder for his country, the proud Croat will have to sit and watch from the sidelines this time as Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic take centre stage.
Victory would put Croatia into the Davis Cup final for the first time.
"Of course, I really wish I was out there playing," Ivanisevic, who was forced to end his career because of a shoulder injury, told Reuters. "But I'm pleased I'm with the team and am able to help the players. They have a very good chance of reaching the final.
"They have the chance to create an historical sporting moment for this country. If we won the Davis Cup it would be like the football team winning the World Cup.
"Whenever I played tennis I was always playing for Croatia, not only myself, although Davis Cup is extra special."
CRUCIAL ROLE
Ivanisevic, who holds the record for appearances and victories for Croatia, could play a crucial role over the three-day tie, particularly in helping calm the nerves of 21-year-old Ancic, a player he nurtured as a junior.
"It's great that he's with us for the semi-final after missing the last two matches," said Ancic, after knocking up with the four-time Wimbledon finalist who now plays on the Seniors Tour.
Ancic lost the opening singles rubber in the quarter-finals against Romania, also in the noisy Gripe Sports Hall just across from his family home, but says he is ready to deal with the frenzied atmosphere this time.
"This is the biggest achievement this team has had in its history, so for sure we want to go even further," said the player nicknamed Baby Goran when he burst on to the scene.
"It's going to be much easier for me this time than in the quarter-finals because that was the first time I played (in front of these fans)...I didn't know what to expect from that situation. Hopefully, I'll play better this time."
Ancic says Croatia could be celebrating a great sporting weekend, with the country's basketball team through to the quarter-finals of the European championship.
"We watched them (beat Italy) on Tuesday," said Ancic, a keen fan of basketball. "Hopefully the people of Croatia will have a lot to cheer this weekend.
"All the tickets are sold, it's going to be noisy, the atmosphere will be pretty hot."
Ivanisevic happy with supporting role
Croatian great Goran Ivanisevic hopes his country's Davis Cup team can spark similar scenes to those that greeted his Wimbledon triumph. Ivanisevic, who brought Split to a standstill on his return after winning the grand slam in 2001, is assistant coach to Niki Pilic for the semi-final with Russia starting tomorrow.
The record Davis Cup appearance holder for his country, the proud Croat will have to sit and watch from the sidelines this time as Mario Ancic and Ivan Ljubicic take centre stage. Victory would put Croatia into the Davis Cup final for the first time.
"Of course, I really wish I was out there playing," Ivanisevic, who was forced to end his career because of a shoulder injury, said.
He added: "They have the chance to create an historical sporting moment for this country. If we won the Davis Cup it would be like the football team winning the World Cup.
"Whenever I played tennis I was always playing for Croatia, not only myself, although Davis Cup is extra special."
Crucial role
Ivanisevic, who holds the record for appearances and victories for Croatia, could play a crucial role over the three-day tie, particularly in helping calm the nerves of 21-year-old Ancic, a player he nurtured as a junior.
"It's great that he's with us for the semi-final after missing the last two matches," said Ancic, after knocking up with the four-time Wimbledon finalist who now plays on the Seniors Tour.
Ancic lost the opening singles rubber in the quarter-finals against Romania, also in the noisy Gripe Sports Hall just across from his family home, but says he is ready to deal with the frenzied atmosphere this time.
Ancic says Croatia could be celebrating a great sporting weekend, with the country's basketball team through to the quarter-finals of the European championship.
Reuters
Muster, Ivanisevic and McEnroe First to Qualify for London
Thomas Muster, Goran Ivanisevic and John McEnroe have all qualified for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London (29 November – 4 December).
The trio all earned points in Paris last week and are currently the top three players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings with two events before London left to play. They have all amassed enough points to guarantee their places in the 12-man field.
Muster, the 1995 French Open champion, currently heads the rankings after seven events, with 2001 Wimbledon winner Ivanisevic a further place behind.
Meanwhile, seven-time Grand Slam titlist McEnroe has been resurgent this year. Having undergone a brutal training regimen to enable him to compete with opponents often more than ten years his junior, the American has won the titles in Frankfurt and the Algarve. He now has his sights set on lifting a fifth London title.
Muster does not intend to allow that to happen. A finalist in London last year, the Austrian is in great form, and desperate to go one better this time.
I’m happy that I’m going to be able to go back to London because I played well there last year when I reached the final,” said Muster.
“There are some more tournaments coming up, I finished second in the Stanford Financial Rankings last year and it would be nice to go one better this time.
“Certainly it’s a goal, but now we are going indoors which is a different story for me. It will be a lot more difficult to collect points indoors against the big servers, but I’ll try.”
Last year’s champion Jim Courier is also hoping to qualify, as is 1987 Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash, 1996 Wimbledon winner Richard Krajicek and former French Open titlist Sergi Bruguera.
John McEnroe won the first event on the 2005 Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final in April, and Goran Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May, and then Pioline triumphed in Novi, Croatia in June. McEnroe won his second title of the year in the Algarve in August, and then Muster lifted the Graz crown to top the rankings.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards. There is a $100,000 prize on offer for the winner in London.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP circuit. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Media Accreditation requests for the event at the Royal Albert Hall should be sent to wpopham@quintusgroup.com
Tickets are now available from the Royal Albert Hall box office - tel: +44 (0)870 458 3661 or on-line at www.themasterstennis.com.
Trophée Jean-Luc Lagardère
September 15-18, 2005
Paris, France
Tournament Site: Stade Jean Bouin
Tournament Director: Guy Forget
Players:
Arnaud Boetsch
Sergi Bruguera
Pat Cash
Jim Courier
Goran Ivanisevic
John McEnroe
Thomas Muster
Cedric Pioline
Official Web Site: www.trophee-jeanluclagardere.com
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Cedric Pioline d. Goran Ivanisevic 6-3, 3-6, 10-8 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Thomas Muster d. John McEnroe 6-2, 6-2
Sergi Bruguera d. Pat Cash 6-1, 6-4
Jim Courier d. Arnaud Boetsch 6-4, 7-5
Friday, September 16, 2005
Goran Ivanisevic d. 5-7, 6-4, 10-6 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
John McEnroe d. Arnaud Boetsch 6-3, 6-4
Cedric Pioline d. Sergi Bruguera 6-3, 2-6, 10-6 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Jim Courier d. Thomas Muster 6-7, 7-6, 10-7 (on a Champions' Tie-Break
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Thomas Muster d. 6-1, 6-3
Sergi Bruguera d. Goran Ivanisevic 6-4, 6-0
Jim Courier d. John McEnroe 6-2, 6-3
Cedric Pioline d. Pat Cash 6-2, 3-6, 10-8(on a champions' tie-break)
Sunday, September 18, 2005
3rd Place match
Sergi Bruguera d. Thomas Muster 6-4, 6-3
The Final
Jim Courier d. Cedric Pioline 7-6(4), 6-4
Muster Denies Ivanisevic To Win First Graz Title
14 August 2005
Thomas Muster won his second Delta Tour of Champions event of the year with a 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) victory over Goran Ivanisevic in the Graz final on Saturday.
Muster, who had never before won his home event, outlasted Ivanisevic to displace the Croatian as the No.1 player in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings.
To complete a sensational week for the home nation Austria, Alex Antonitsch defeated Andres Gomez 3-6, 6-3, 10-3 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) to seal third place.
It means that now only 135 points separate Muster, Ivanisevic and John McEnroe on the Road to London, as the battle for the year-end No.1 position hots up.
McEnroe won the first event on the 2005 Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Sergi Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final in April, and Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May, and then Cedric Pioline triumphed in Novi, Croatia in June. McEnroe won his second title of the year in the Algarve last week.
The Tour now moves on to Paris, where another all-star field including McEnroe Boris Becker, Sergi Bruguera, Jim Courier, Goran Ivanisevic, Thomas Muster and Cédric Pioline will do battle between the 15th and 18th of September.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Thomas Muster d. Goran Ivanisevic 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Tennis star Goran backs the Baggies
12 August 2005
Tennis star Goran Ivanisevic has revealed he is a West Bromwich Albion fan - and believes the team can avoid the stress of last year's Great Escape this season.
Ivanisevic revelled in the club's escape from relegation on the final day of last season and believes they can improve this campaign after Bryan Robson strengthened the squad over the summer with the additions of Chris Kirkland, Diomansy Kamara, Steve Watson and Darren Carter.
"I was glad the team stayed up and I think I will have something more to cheer this year," said Ivanisevic, who also hopes to make his first visit to The Hawthorns this season.
"I would love to come and see them play in person," said the former Wimbledon champion, who is also a passionate Hadjuk Split fan.
"I love English football because the fans are so passionate - the supporters are unbelievable.
" I would want to watch any English football live, but now I have a team in West Bromwich Albion I have to come and see them."
The Croatian even had some advice for Robson as he sought to put the finishing touches to the squad.
"I think we should sign a Croatian player," said Ivanisevic. "If we have a Croatian player in the team it is impossible we will get relegated!"
Ivanisevic and John McEnroe were introduced to the Baggies by Albion fan David Law, who works with them on the Delta Tour of Champions - a circuit which culminates at the Royal Albert Hall from November 29 to December 4.
Ivanisevic explained: "Finally I started to support them and as soon as I did they stayed up."
Muster vs. Ivanisevic in Graz Final
12 August 2005
Home hero Thomas Muster will meet Goran Ivanisevic in the final of the Delta Tour of Champions event in Graz, Austria after they both fought off stiff opposition in their final group matches.
Muster ground out a 5-7, 6-4, 10-7 (on a Champions' Tie-Break) victory over his fellow former French Open champion Sergi Bruguera, while Ivanisevic outlasted another Austrian, Alex Antonitsch 4-6, 6-3, 12-10 (also on a Champions' Tie-Break).
Antonitsch will face 1990 French Open winner Andres Gomez in the 3rd/4th place play-off. Gomez overcame Andrea Gaudenzi 5-7, 6-2, 10-6 (on a Champions' Tie-Break).
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
McEnroe won the first event on the 2005 Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Sergi Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final in April, and Goran Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May, and then Cedric Pioline triumphed in Novi, Croatia in June. McEnroe won his second title of the year in the Algarve last week.
After Graz, the tour moves on to Paris, where another all-star field will do battle between the 15th and 18th of September.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Results -
Thomas Muster d. Sergi Bruguera 5-7, 6-4, 10-7 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Goran Ivanisevic d. Alex Antonitsch 4-6, 6-3, 12-10 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Andres Gomez d. Andrea Gaudenzi 5-7, 6-2, 10-6 (on a Champions' Tie-Break)
Goran Rolls On In Graz
10 August 2005
Goran Ivanisevic continued his surge towards regaining the No.1 spot in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings with a 7-6, 6-1 victory over Carl-Uwe Steeb in Graz.
The Croatian, who currently trails No.1 John McEnroe by 150 points on the Road to London, swept Steeb aside and now meets Austrian Alex Antonitsch for a place in the final.
Antonitsch also boasts a 100% record in Group B after a 6-3, 6-3 win over Karel Novacek.
Elsewhere, Sergi Bruguera began his Graz campaign with a straight sets defeat of Andrea Gaudenzi.
The players in each group face off in a round-robin format, and the top player from each group will contest Friday’s final. Those who finish second in each group will play off for third and fourth places respectively.
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
McEnroe won the first event on the 2005 Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Sergi Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final in April, and Goran Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May, and then Cedric Pioline triumphed in Novi, Croatia in June. McEnroe won his second title of the year in the Algarve last week.
After Graz, the tour moves on to Paris, where another all-star field will do battle between the 15th and 18th of September.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Ivanisevic & Muster Start As They Mean To Go On
10 August 2005
Goran Ivanisevic and Thomas Muster blew off the cobwebs to win their opening group matches at the Delta Tour of Champions event in Graz, Austria on Tuesday.
Ivanisevic, who had just returned from a three-week vacation, swept past Karel Novacek 6-1, 6-2, while Muster, bidding to win his home event for the first time, defeated Andres Gomez in straight sets.
The other match on day one saw Alex Antonitsch win a match and a dinner against Carl-Uwe Steeb of Germany. The pair have a long-standing arrangement that whoever loses their matches also picks up the dinner cheque, and this time Steeb was the loser on all counts. Antonitsch triumphed 7-6(4), 6-4.
The players in each group face off in a round-robin format, and the top player from each group will contest Friday’s final. Those who finish second in each group will play off for third and fourth places respectively.
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
McEnroe won the first event on the 2005 Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Sergi Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final in April, and Goran Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May, and then Cedric Pioline triumphed in Novi, Croatia in June. McEnroe won his second title of the year in the Algarve last week.
After Graz, the tour moves on to Paris, where another all-star field will do battle between the 15th and 18th of September.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Results -
Goran Ivanisevic d. Carl-Uwe Steeb 6-3, 7-6(1)
Alex Antonitsch d. Karel Novacek 6-3, 6-3
Sergi Bruguera d. Andrea Gaudenzi 7-5, 6-1
Pioline breaks Croatian hearts in Novi final
June 2005
Goran Ivanisevic remained the people’s champion in Croatia, but he was not able to stop the charge of Cedric Pioline who lifted the Novi Classics title.
Pioline won 6-3, 7-6(4) as Ivanisevic struggled to overcome a slight arm injury.
“He hurt his arm which was a shame, but I played well,” said a happy Pioline afterwards.
“I only knew on Sunday night that I was coming here because of Boris withdrawing and I was happy because Goran had told me that it was a nice place. He was right. The tournament is great, the people did a really good job organising it, and I hope it has a long life because it is a place that I like.”
In the 3 rd place play-off, Thomas Muster defeated John McEnroe 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 (on a Champions’ Tie-break) in an ill-tempered affair. McEnroe launched a number of tirades at the umpire, and, just before leaving the court, he delivered a withering assessment of the official’s decision-making skills.
McEnroe won the first event on the Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Sergi Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final last month, and Goran Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP circuit. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Nadal’s Trousers Can’t Save Mac As Ivanisevic Reaches Final
June 2005
John McEnroe brought the heavy guns out against Goran Ivanisevic on Friday, including Rafael Nadal’s trademark three-quarter-length trousers, but it wasn’t enough to quell the charge of Goran Ivanisevic.
The American got off to a flying start, but eventually went down in a Champions’ Tie-Break after a thrilling encounter.
Ivanisevic won 2-6, 6-1, 11-9, and was overjoyed to reach the final of his home Delta Tour of Champions event.
“It was satisfying because I didn’t play at all for the first eight games,” said Ivanisevic.
“In the tie-break anything is possible, but there were some good points and I’m really happy to be in the final.”
McEnroe, giving away 13 years to his 33-year-old opponent, fought tooth-and-nail to try to get over the finish line, but he couldn’t quite make it.
He liked the trousers though.
“At first I didn’t like them, but after watching Nadal in them for a while I took a liking to them. I tried them in the French Open doubles and now it’s going to be my surprise tactic on the Champions Tour!”
There were numerous flashpoints throughout the 2-hour match, including one occasion where Ivanisevic rounded the net to debate a line-call with the furious McEnroe.
The Croatian will meet Cedric Pioline in Saturday’s final after the Frenchman’s imperious 6-1, 6-2 defeat of Andrea Gaudenzi.
McEnroe will face Thomas Muster in the 3rd/4th place play-off. The Austrian overcame Gilad Bloom 7-5, 6-4
Maradona, McEnroe and Ivanisevic Rock Croatia
June 2005
John McEnroe, Boris Becker and Goran Ivanisevic are no strangers cameramen and autograph hunters following them around, but they had never experienced anything like this.
When Diego Maradona – arguably the world’s greatest and most famous footballer – arrived in Novi, Croatia for a charity football match on the court that the Novi Classics had been played on, it was bedlam.
The Argentine was helping to fund a development in Novi for homeless children in Croatia, and his mere presence was magnetic.
Since leaving hospital earlier this year, Maradona has lost more than 20kgs in weight, and is beginning to look something like his old self. When he volleyed a goal inside the first five minutes of the match, it was just like old times.
Maradona lined up alongside Ivanisevic and former Croatian World Cup star Davor Suker, with another Croatian footballing hero – Zvonimir Boban – joining up with Thomas Muster, Cedric Pioline, Andrea Gaudenzi and Emilio Sanchez on the opposing team.
With the injured Boris Becker acting as a special referee, the match went to a penalty shootout. Maradona’s team eventually lost when Suker casually chipped his penalty into the arms of the goalkeeper.
McEnroe, who chose to watch from the sidelines, met Maradona for the first time. Afterwards, he regretted not taking part.
“I think Diego might have played me through a couple of times, so maybe I should have played,” he said.
“I love the fact that the Croatians are so into their sport. They built a football pitch on top of the tennis court. It’s fantastic. What will they think of next?”
Sanchez Shocks Ivanisevic
June 2005
Emilio Sanchez only arrived in Novi as a late replacement for the injured Boris Becker, but he did not wait long to make his mark.
The Spaniard outlasted home favourite Goran Ivanisevic in a two-hour battle 6-7(7), 7-5, 10-8 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) to disappoint the local fans.
Ivanisevic, who currently tops the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings, found the withering heat too much to take.
Elsewhere, John McEnroe, who won the two Delta Tour of Champions events that were held in Zagreb in 1998 and 1999, began successfully. He defeated former French Open champion Andres Gomez 6-3, 7-5.
Cedric Pioline and Thomas Muster also began in style, beating Gilad Bloom and Andrea Gaudenzi respectively.
The players in each group will face off in a round-robin format, and the top player from each group will contest Tuesday’s final. Those who finish second in each group will play off for third and fourth places respectively.
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
McEnroe won the first event on the Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February. Sergi Bruguera overcame Pat Cash in the Doha final last month, and Goran Ivanisevic also beat Cash a week later in the Hong Kong final. Muster took the first clay court title of the year with victory in Rome in May.
Players compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Champions Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP circuit. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Stella Artois challenge match
12 June 2005
Goran beat John McEnroe at the Stella Artois challenge match :)
Ivanisevic to Meet McEnroe on Grass For First Time as Injured Becker Withdraws
10 June 2005
Former Wimbledon champions Goran Ivanisevic and John McEnroe will meet on grass for the first time after Boris Becker was forced out of Sunday’s Stella Artois challenge match with a knee injury.
Ivanisevic, who completed a fairytale story by winning Wimbledon in 2001, has never previously tasted victory on finals’ day at the Stella Artois Championships. He lost to Mark Philippoussis in the 1997 final.
The Croatian won four of the six matches that he and McEnroe played in their competitive playing careers.
The challenge match will take place on Sunday after the singles final.
Becker, who was hoping to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his maiden Stella Artois victory in style on Sunday, had surgery on his left knee last month. The surgery was successful and the rehabilitation positive, but unfortunately it did not progress quickly enough for him to be fully fit to play against McEnroe.
JOHN MCENROE vs. GORAN IVANISEVIC
Head to Head: - Ivanisevic leads 4-2
1992 Grand Slam Cup, Carpet Q Ivanisevic 36 64 62
1992 Key Biscayne, Hard R32 McEnroe 75 57 57
1991 Paris Indoor, Carpet, R32, Ivanisevic 64 64
1991 New Haven, Hard, Q, Ivanisevic 64 62
1990 Stockholm, Carpet, R16, Ivanisevic 64 64
1990 Basel, Hard, F, McEnroe 76 64 67 36 46
I'm broke, says Ivanisevic
08 June 2005
zagreb - Former Wimbledon champion and tennis legend Goran Ivanisevic has admitted in an interview published on Wednesday that he is facing bankruptcy after all his investments in his native Croatia failed.
"Every thing in which I invested money in Croatia went wrong," Ivanisevic told the Globus weekly, adding that it was partly due to the corruption in the country.
In the past seven years, Ivanisevic, who won Wimbledon in 2001, has invested money in construction businesses in Croatia, but apparently lost a lot of money.
"I don't belong to any (political) party, I'm not in any lobby or pressure group. I have not bribed anyone, and in construction business in Croatia, you cannot even build a house for a dog if don't give bribes", the 34-year-old told Globus.
He also said the only way to avoid bankruptcy is to continue to play tennis on Senior tour. - Sapa-dpa
Ivanisevic triumphs in Hong Kong
18 April 2005
Goran Ivanisevic crushed Pat Cash 6-2 6-4 in a battle of former Wimbledon champions to win the Champions Tour event in Hong Kong on Sunday.
The Croatian leads the race to qualify for the season-ending Masters at London's Royal Albert Hall in November.
Cash lies second despite losing his second final in a row.
The Hong Kong tournament also featured Jeremy Bates, Anders Jarryd, Mark Kratzmann, Henri Leconte, Thomas Muster and Cedric Pioline.
John McEnroe won the opening Delta Tour of Champions event in Frankfurt in February.
Sergi Bruguera beat Cash to win the Doha tournament.
The tour now moves on to Rome on 6 May.
ATP Champions Doha Thursday results
08 April 2005
Goran Ivanisevic revived memories of his 15-13 final set win against Richard Krajicek in the 1998 Wimbledon semifinals with a 7-6, 4-6, 10-5 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) victory on day one in Doha.
Both men smashed their serves down throughout, but there were no shortage of rallies from the baseline.
Ultimately it was Ivanisevic who found the shots when he needed them most to win the opening match of the tournament.
Elsewhere, Cedric Pioline put a slow start behind him to defeat Petr Korda 2-6, 6-4, 10-6 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break) and Sergi Bruguera stormed past Henri Leconte 6-2, 6-3.
In the final match of the day, Pat Cash produced a stunning fight-back to upset Thomas Muster 6-7(3), 6-4, 10-7 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break).
The players in each group face off in a round-robin format, and the top player from each group will contest Sunday’s final. Those who finish second in each group will play off for third and fourth places respectively.
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
The event in Doha is one of a number of new steps on the Road to London in 2005. Tournaments in Frankfurt (Germany), Hong Kong (China), Novi (Croatia), Monte Carlo (Monaco) and a second event in Germany, have all been added to the Champions Tour calendar.
John McEnroe won the first event on the Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February.
Players will compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
24 HOURS TO FORGET FOR KRAJICEK
Having never been to Doha before, Richard Krajicek was understandably looking forward to the trip.
After his luggage missed his connecting flight (causing him to buy new clothes that his opponent Goran Ivanisevic spent the entire day laughing at), losing at golf to his friend Ronald de Boer (the Dutch international footballer), and going down on a Champions’ Tie-Break to Ivanisevic, he could have been forgiven for changing his mind.
Not Krajicek.
“I’m still smiling,” he said.
Group A
Matches won/lost (sets)
Sergi Bruguera 1-0 2-0
Goran Ivanisevic 1-0 2-1
Richard Krajicek 0-1 1-2
Henri Leconte 0-1 0-2
Group B
Pat Cash 1-0 2-1
Cedric Pioline 1-0 2-1
Thomas Muster 0-1 1-2
Petr Korda 0-1 1-2
Match Schedule:
Thursday, April 7
Starting at 6pm
Pat Cash vs. Cedric Pioline
Sergi Bruguera vs. Goran Ivanisevic
Thomas Muster vs. Petr Korda
Richard Krajicek vs. Henri Leconte
Delta Tour of Champions Points Allocation
Winner – 400 points
Finalist – 250 points
3rd place – 200 points
4th place – 125 points
5/6th place – 80 points
7/8th place – 60 points
STANFORD FINANCIAL CHAMPIONS TOUR RANKINGS 2005 (after one event) Points
1. John McEnroe 400
2. Cedric Pioline 250
3. Goran Ivanisevic 200
4. Mikael Pernfors 125
5. Pat Cash 80
6. Anders Jarryd 80
7. Jim Courier 60
8. Henri Leconte 60
Ivanisevic & Krajicek to replay classic Wimbledon
07 April 2005
Goran Ivanisevic and Richard Krajicek will re-enact their classic 1998 Wimbledon semi-final when they face off on day one of the Q-Tel ATP Champions event in Doha, Qatar – the second event on the 2005 ATP Champions Tour calendar.
That fateful day in SW19 seven years ago is not one that either player will forget in a hurry.
Ivanisevic raced to a two set lead, stood on the brink of victory before Krajicek levelled the match at two sets all. Twenty eight games later, Ivanisevic eventually secured his place in the final with a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-7, 15-13 victory.
It was one of two losses that Krajicek remembers as his most painful (the other came against Stefan Edberg at the 1992 US Open).
“I was two sets down, 5-3 down and Goran had two match points at 40-15,” remembered Krajicek.
“He hit what I thought was an ace to finish the match. I already started walking to the net to shake hands, but the Umpire called ‘let’ and we had to replay the point. I won that point, won the next point, broke him, won the set, won the fourth set, and suddenly I was serving at 3-2 up with a break in the fifth! It was a shame that I lost.”
The Dutchman will have his chance for revenge on Thursday in Doha.
Ivanisevic and Krajicek are joined in Group A by two-time French Open champion Sergi Bruguera and Henri Leconte, who will meet in the third match of the day.
Over in Group B, Cedric Pioline will battle 1998 Australian Open champion Petr Korda, and former World No.1 Thomas Muster will meet the 1987 Wimbledon winner, Pat Cash.
The players in each group will face off in a round-robin format, and the top player from each group will contest Sunday’s final. Those who finish second in each group will play off for third and fourth places respectively.
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
The event in Doha is one of a number of new steps on the Road to London in 2005. Tournaments in Frankfurt (Germany), Hong Kong (China), Novi (Croatia), Monte Carlo (Monaco) and a second event in Germany, have all been added to the Champions Tour calendar.
John McEnroe won the first event on the Delta Tour of Champions – the European section of the worldwide ATP Champions Tour – when he triumphed in Frankfurt in February.
Players will compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the ATP Champions Tour, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player on a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Group A
Goran Ivanisevic
Richard Krajicek
Sergi Bruguera
Henri Leconte
Group B
Thomas Muster
Pat Cash
Cedric Pioline
Petr Korda
MATCH SCHEDULE:
Thursday, April 7
Starting at 6pm
Goran Ivanisevic vs. Richard Krajicek
Petr Korda vs. Cedric Pioline
Sergi Bruguera vs. Henri Leconte
Thomas Muster vs. Pat Cash
Goran Beats Jim Courier - Delta Tour
27 February 2005
John McEnroe has spent the past few years encouraging players to join the Delta Tour of Champions when they retire from the regular ATP circuit, and now a man 10 years his junior will provide the opposition in the Frankfurt final.
At the first step on a 12-tournament Road to The Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London next December, 46-year-old McEnroe will meet Cedric Pioline for the Deichmann Champions Trophy title.
The American saw off Pat Cash 7-5, 7-6(5) in a keenly contested final group match on Saturday, while Pioline overcame a luckless Anders Jarryd.
Jarryd was forced to retire just as he was about to take the first set. The Swede, who was also injured in his Masters semifinal against Thomas Muster in London last December, pulled a muscle in his back as he leapt for a smash at set-point.
It was clear that he couldn’t continue, and although Pioline was disappointed to win by default, he was delighted to make the final.
“It’s a nice feeling because it was a great field and to play these big names, have fun and reach the final is very nice,” said Pioline.
“We try to play in a relaxed way, but in the end it’s better if you win the match. I really enjoy to play against John – he’s a big champion – but I’ve never played against him on a fast surface so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Pioline will have to be at his phlegmatic best when he takes on McEnroe, because the American will doubtless have steam coming out of his ears.
Against Cash on Saturday, the American launched three verbal assaults against the Umpire in the first game alone.
Inevitably, it was a game that McEnroe lost, but he broke back in the fourth game, and ultimately won in straight sets.
“I feel really well, I think I’m playing some good tennis and I want to win the final,” said McEnroe, afterwards.
“Pioline is a great player and shot-maker but I don’t think I’m totally without a shot of winning.”
Goran Ivanisevic will meet Mikael Pernfors in the 3rd/4th place play-off after Ivanisevic saw off Jim Courier 6-4, 6-2, and Pernfors beat Henri Leconte 7-6, 6-3.
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points in the Champions’ Tie-break is the winner. If the score is level at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
Players will compete for points throughout the year to qualify for The Masters at the Royal Albert Hall in London, November 29 – December 4. The top ten players in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all events are complete will qualify automatically. The field in London will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the Delta Tour of Champions, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player in a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP circuit. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Results for SATURDAY 26th February, 2005
John McEnroe d. Pat Cash 7-5, 7-6(5)
Goran Ivanisevic d. Jim Courier 6-4, 6-2
Cedric Pioline d. Anders Jarryd 6-6 (retired)
Mikael Pernfors d. Henri Leconte 7-6, 6-3
Final Standings:
Group A
Matches Won/Lost (sets won/lost)
John McEnroe 3-0 (6-0)
Mikael Pernfors 2-1 (4-3)
Pat Cash 1-2 (2-4)
Henri Leconte 0-3 (0-6)
Group B
Cedric Pioline 3-0 (6-1)
Goran Ivanisevic 2-1 (4-3)
Anders Jarryd 1-2 (3-4)
Jim Courier 0-3 (1-6)
Match Schedule:
Sunday, February 27
Starting at 3pm (CET)
3rd/4th place play-off
Goran Ivanisevic vs. Mikael Pernfors
Followed by
The Final
John McEnroe vs. Cedric Pioline
DELTA TOUR OF CHAMPIONS 2005 CALENDAR
February 24-27 Frankfurt, Germany (Deichmann Champions Trophy)
April 8-11 Doha, Qatar * (Qtel ATP Champions)
April 14-17 Hong Kong, China * (Chevalier ATP Champions)
May 6-10 Rome, Italy (Delta Tour of Champions Rome)
June 15-18 Novi, Croatia (Croatian Classics)
August 2-6 Algarve, Portugal (Vale do Lobo Grand Champions Millennium BCP
August 9-13 Graz, Austria (S-Tennis Masters)
September 15-18 Paris, France (Trophee Jean Luc Lagardere)
October 13-16 Eindhoven, Holland (Alex Tennis Classics)
October 20-23 Monte Carlo, Monaco
November 17-20 Germany 2 Nov 29 – Dec 4 THE CHAMPIONS MASTERS (London, England)
* Doha and Hong Kong are part of the worldwide Champions Tour and count in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings, but are not officially sanctioned by the Delta Tour of Champions (which specifically covers European events).
Ivanisevic downs Cash
07 February 2005
Cape Town - Power-hungry Goran Ivanisevic wrapped up the Cape Town Grand Champions 2005 tournament at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Sunday night with a scintillating display enroute to a 4-6 6-2 10-7 victory over Pat Cash.
Ivanisevic, the 33-year-old Croatian, sportingly fulfilled his final singles obligation despite a hamstring injury, which severely limited his mobility and he had to rely on that legendary tool - the rocket-like serve.
Cash, the 39-Australian, briefly flirted with the big serve and he slammed a fair share of aces, but his biggest contribution to the entertainment was a masterful serve and volley game that would have done any player proud on the current international world tour.
Like most opponents in Ivansevic's heyday, return of serve was always a hazardous occupation and Cash had limited success despite some brave attempts, which earned him several rounds of applause.
Ivanisevic's racquets once again could not stand the heat and for the second time in the tournament his strings gave up on him and he had to raid Cash's bag to continue his all-power onslaught midway through the second set.
With the big serve in tow, Ivanisevic was never in trouble in the championship tie-break, although he slowly clawed his way back from an initial 5-1 deficit to a 8-7 margin. Two service games later Cash was history as he caught a sniff of the fluff wafting past his trademark bandana.
Michael Stich, the 36-year-old German who won 6-7 (3), 7-6, 10-8, was fully extended by Mats Wilander, who at age 40 years, was the 'elder statesman' at the tournament.
It was an absorbing encounter in which Wilander, never one to release the pressure at any stage, gave the younger German as good as he got.
In the resultant tiebreak to decide the winner, Stich went for broke and since fortune favours the brave, Wilander was found wanting at the end.
Source: www.news24.com
Goran overcomes twin niggle
05 February 2005
Croatia's Goran Ivanisevic overcame the twin intimidation of a niggling hamstring strain and the use of a strange racquet to record a straight-sets 6-4, 6-4 win over Michael Stich of Germany in the feature match in the Cape Town Grand Champions 2005 tournament at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday evening.
Near the end of the first set Ivanisevic snapped the strings of his only racquet on court when he leaped high to return a serve. Stich did not take too kindly to Ivanisevic raiding his bag for a racquet. Ivanisevic suffered another setback, this time a measure of sustained torment, when he strained a hamstring in the seventh game of the second set.
In the end it was a matter of grin and bear it as Ivanisevic recorded his first win over Stich on a carpet surface. In the final game Ivanisevic even managed to roll out an underarm serve which helped him to set up match point.
Ivanisevic ground out eight aces in the first set in which both players relied heavily on booming serves. Stich dished out some "ace" treatment to the Croat early in the contest when he reeled out three consecutive aces in the third game.
In his effort to round of the points early Ivanisevic played some unbelievable point-grabbing groundstrokes, some from near impossible angles, to subdue Stich's challenge.
Ivanisevic's plight meant that he had to limit mobility and this spurred him on to draw heavily on his big serve and by the time the second set ended he had added another seven aces to his first-set count. Fans were very much behind Ivanisevic and when he served for the match their agony was prolonged when Ivanisevic surrendered two double faults prior to hammering the final nail in the coffin.
In the doubles encounter the fans were treated to a giggle-a-minute fare by Henri Leconte (France) and Mansour Bahrami (Iran), winners against the all South African pairing of Pietie Norval and Danie Visser.
The doubles competition is a one set affair, which is decided by a championship tiebreaker if scores are tied at the end of the set. As it turned out the tiebreaker was required when the teams produced a 6-6 scoreline.
Bahrami was a veritable bag of tricks and Leconte offerings were aimed more at crowd participation but the pair turned on the heat when it mattered.
Source: http://www.iol.co.za
Showcase serves up all-time greats
18 December 2004
The fuzz will be hit clear off the tennis balls when former tennis great Boris "Boom Boom" Becker heads for Cape Town in February for a showdown with big-serving Croat Goran Ivanisevic.
The former Wimbledon champions will renew their fierce rivalry at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, where the Cape Town Grand Champions 2005 event will be held from February 4-6. Past greats Mats Wilander, Michael Stich, Henri Leconte and Mansour Bahrami will also appear, but Becker is the major drawcard.
Organiser Frank Lichte met Weekend Argus this week and said the former world number one had confirmed he will play in the event, which will take place in a mini-stadium with seating for about 3 500 spectators.
The three days of competition will include round-robin singles matches involving Becker, Ivanisevic, Wilander and Stich, as well as fun-filled doubles matches where showmen Leconte and Bahrami will exhibit their range of trick shots and invent a few more along the way.
The festive event will also include a dinner at the Arabella Sheraton on February 2 at which well-heeled diners will be able to bid for which tennis star they would like to join their fourball in a golf tournament the following day.
Lichte, who has been staging similar tennis events in Europe for a decade, said champions such as Becker, Leconte and Ivanisevic still had crowd appeal because they reminded people of an age when genuine characters prowled courts around the world.
Lichte is a huge fan of Cape Town and also brought the Beach Volleyball World Tour to Camps Bay in March.
"I believe in Cape Town and you can see it is booming.
"Something is happening here because the people are willing to grow and improve," he said. Tickets for the tennis range from R150 to R350 a day and are available at Computicket.
Source: iol.co.za
Ivanisevic to miss Henman clash
27 November 2004
Goran Ivanisevic has been forced to pull out of his showdown with Tim Henman at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Croatian has a hamstring injury that rules him out of Tuesday's scheduled showdown with the British number one.
Ivanisevic, who also missed last year's event through injury, will be replaced by US Open semi-finalist and world number 12 Joachim Johansson of Sweden.
Henman's exhibiton match takes place alongside The Masters Tennis.
The match will benefit Henman's charity Kids at Heart.
John McEnroe, Mikael Pernfors, Jim Courier, Richard Krajicek, Pat Cash, Michael Stich, Mats Wilander, Boris Becker, Thomas Muster, Sergi Bruguera, Guy Forget and Emilio Sanchez line up in The Masters.
The players will compete for a winner-take-all prize of US$100,000.
Source: BBC News
McEnroe backs Henman
12 November 2004
John McEnroe believes Tim Henman can pick up the £1million winner's cheque at the Tennis Master Cup in Houston next week.
McEnroe, who will be at the Albert Hall for the Masters Tennis event presented by Cunard starting on 30 November, said: "If you can win the Paris Masters event, which Tim did last year, then there's no reason why he can't do it in Houston."
The opening evening session at the Albert Hall will include a re-match between Henman and Goran Ivanisevic in aid of the charity Kids at Heart.
They have not played against each other since Ivanisevic won their Wimbledon semi- final three years ago.
Source: The Evening Standard
Ivanisevic Wins On Delta Debut
18 October 2004
Goran Ivanisevic didn’t know what he was going to do with himself when he retired after Wimbledon this year. He does now.
The Croatian, playing in his first Delta Tour of Champions event – the Alex Tennis Classics in Eindhoven – defeated Jim Courier 7-6(4), 7-6(7) in a thrilling final, and loved every minute of it.
“It’s great to play on the Delta Tour, these guys are so much fun,” said Ivanisevic.
“It’s a relaxed atmosphere – there is some serious tennis, some fun, they are all fit, and it’s great tennis. It also feels good to win. I don’t know when I last won four matches in a row!”
Now that he has sampled the Delta Tour of Champions, which culminates in The Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall in London (30th November – 5th December), it seems Ivanisevic is addicted.
“I’m going play much more next year. Me, Jim (Courier), Richard (Kracjicek) and Thomas (Muster) have had some great matches in the past and I think we are going to have some great matches in the future. It’s so different – win or lose you have a beer afterwards and have fun. I didn’t know how it was going to be but I’m really happy that I came.”
In an exciting third/fourth place play-off, Thomas Muster came back from a set down to defeat Richard Krajicek 2-6, 6-4, 10-7 (on a Champions’ Tie-Break).
The final stop on the 2004 Delta Tour of Champions before The Masters Tennis presented by Cunard is Brussels (November 4-7).
The top ten champions in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all other events are complete, will vie for a winner-take-all prize of $100,000 at the Masters Tennis in London. The field will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the Delta Tour of Champions, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player in a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP circuit. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
Henman to face Ivanisevic
18 October 2004
Some oldish news I came across today, its dated 09 September 2004.
Tim Henman will play Goran Ivanisevic in a charity match at the Royal Albert Hall, London in November.
The match, in aid of Henman's Kids at Heart charity, will be a repeat of their rain-interrupted 2001 Wimbledon semi-final.
Ivanisevic won that and went on to win the title but has since retired from professional tennis because of injury.
The match will take place on the evening of 30 November during the Masters Tennis event.
"I have been waiting a long time for a chance to get my own back at Goran!" said Henman.
"I can't think of a better place to do so than at the Royal Albert Hall, particularly as it will benefit a cause that means so much to me."
New doubles partner
18 October 2004
Goran Ivanisevic, the 2001 Wimbledon champion, has taken up a night job: Amber Maria, his 18-month-old daughter.
"She doesn't sleep," Ivanisevic told the BBC during a senior tennis event in Eindhoven, Netherlands. "At night she seems to turn into a vampire. She wakes up every night five or 10 times, asking for things, singing and calling out.
"If she only wakes up five times in a night, it's like I've won the lottery."
Models in Madrid? Goran's thoughts ahead of Courier final
18 October 2004
GORAN QUOTE OF THE DAY:
‘I’m a couple of years late. I retired at the wrong time. Maybe I should ask for a Wild Card? But I wouldn’t be able to play. I would just want to take (telephone) numbers’ (The reaction of Goran Ivanisevic to hearing that the ATP Masters Series event in Madrid next week will feature Models for Ball-Girls).’
Goran Ivanisevic will face Jim Courier in the final of his debut appearance on the Delta Tour of Champions - the Alex Tennis Classics in Eindhoven - after a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Thomas Muster on Saturday.
The Croatian had looked forward to facing Muster ever since the draw was made, and in a battle of two former Grand Slam tournament winners, he wasn’t disappointed.
The match was a quality one but there were some hilarious moments as well with both players hitting trick-shots and exchanging banter throughout. The capacity crowd in Eindhoven loved every minute, as did the players.
At one point, Ivanisevic even escaped into the crowd to take over the job of the court-side DJ, although he should perhaps have thought twice about his choice of song – “YMCA” by the Village People.
“I was everything today, I was serving good, I was DJ, it was perfect,” said Ivanisevic, who had the letter ‘A’ stencilled onto his racquet strings to remind him of his 18-month-old daughter Amber-Maria who is back home in Zagreb.
“It will be a great match against Jim. I had a lot of great ones with him. Some I won, a lot of them I lost, but who cares, I’m happy to be in the final.”
Earlier, Courier repeated his victory over Richard Krajicek in the Algarve final by beating the Dutchman 7-5, 7-6(2) in Eindhoven.
The American - the current No.1 player in the 2004 Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings - set his stall out from the baseline and fended off the huge Krajicek serve to triumph. “It was a terrific match,” said Courier. “He has a lot of weaponry out there and you know that you are going to have to play well. I get up for the matches against him and today was no exception. Today was the best match I have played in weeks.”
And he looked forward to playing against Ivanisevic in the final.
“I’m going to have a lefty coming at me in the final, which will be great,” he said. “I love to play Goran and he played Wimbledon this year, winning a couple of rounds, so it will be a good test for me to see where my game is, particularly indoors on a surface that he likes.”
Matches are contested over the best of three sets, with the deciding set taking the form of a Champions’ Tie-break. The first player to reach 10 points is the winner; if the score is tied at 9-all, a two-point advantage is required.
After Eindhoven, the Delta Tour of Champions will visit Brussels (November 4-7) before The Masters Tennis presented by Cunard at the Royal Albert Hall in London (England), 30th November – 5th December, where the top ten champions in the Stanford Financial Champions Tour Rankings after all other events are complete, will vie for a winner-take-all prize of $100,000. The field will increase to 12 with the addition of two wild cards.
To be eligible to compete on the Delta Tour of Champions, players must have been either a World No.1 during their competitive playing careers, a Grand Slam singles finalist, or a singles player in a victorious Davis Cup team, and no longer active on the ATP tour. Each event can also invite two players of its choice to take wild cards.
senior tour
18 October 2004
Senior tour in Eindhoven, Friday results -
Goran Ivanisevic d. Jan Siemerink 6-2, 7-6(8),
Wimbledon champ sweeps the streets
08 October 2004
Former Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic has been spotted sweeping the streets of the Croatian capital Zagreb.
He swapped his tennis racket for a broomstick to become a street sweeper as part of reality TV show The Exchange Office.
Ivanisevic, was out sweeping the streets at 5.30am, said: "I did get tired but at least I proved that I could do the job of road sweeper."
Show producers said the 33-year-old took his job seriously and "worked really hard".
Robert Knjaz, the host of the TV show, added: "Some passers-by could not believe it when they saw Goran Ivanisevic sweeping rubbish from the city streets. One even passed out with the shock."
The show that features Ivanisevic swapping jobs with road sweeper Alojz Pucek will be broadcast on RTL later this year.
Source: ananova.com
Superset Tennis
04 October 2004
2001 Wimbledon champion Ivanisevic lost 6-4 to Tommy Robredo
Superset Tennis
01 October 2004
What is Superset Tennis
Superset Tennis is an exciting, new, entertainment charged tennis format.
It's super-competitive. Eight top players battling it out in one set, sudden death, elimination contests for a winner takes all £250,000 - the largest per set prize money in tennis.
It's accessible. Where else can you see so many top players in a single day or one show?
It's played over two sessions, an afternoon and night. The first, features all eight top players in four head to head sudden death sets.
The winners progress to the final session.
Session two showcases the semi finals and the final. Three sets of pressure tennis, the tension building to the final point. It decides who takes home the £250,000 winner takes all prize. The champion is the only player to win three sets of tennis in the one day.
The Rules of Play
The basic rules and scoring of each game are unchanged.
A match is won when one player wins six or more games with a lead of two or more games. If one player reaches ten games without achieving a two game lead then a regular tiebreak will be played, to decide the winner of the set and match.
Superset Tennis uses new technology and an innovative format to create more entertaining tennis, build spectator involvement, help each player to play at their peak throughout each contest and monitor line calls.
Since every point counts and an incorrect call might make the difference between winning and losing £250,000, slow motion cameras and an independent video umpire can be called on by a player to overrule the chair umpire on any call.
These replays are screened on large LED screens to players, officials and spectators alike. The player is permitted to question any amount of line calls provided it is not seen as a tactic to slow down the game or to disturb the opponent. If it is seen by the umpire as a tactic, then a penalty system takes place.
Superset Tennis also allows the players' coaches courtside, supporting and discussing tactics for a 30 second period on each change of end.
Superset Tennis takes place on 03 October 2204. Goran has been drawn to play Tommy Robredo.
Source: superset-tennis.com
Hewitt ends Ivanisevic dream
25 June 2004
Goran Ivanisevic has played his last match at Wimbledon after losing to Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets.
The 32-year-old, who won here in 2001 but had to delay his return because of injury, was cheered on by the Centre Court crowd from the moment he walked out on the court.
But ultimately he just could not match the devastating returns of the 2002 winner.
He saved 11 of the 13 break points against him in the first set but, after losing a crucial third game, was always up against it.
He struggled and slipped as his 23-year-old opponent sent him scrabbling around the court.
And he looked on in despair as the Australian sent two perfectly-delivered topspin lobs over his head, one to break for the second time and take the first set 6-2.
The second set went with serve and there were always touches of the Ivanisevic brilliance with his booming serve and delicate volleys.
But a single break put Hewitt 5-3 up and he served out for a 2-0 lead.
The third was another tight tussle but the Australian used another lob and sent Ivanisevic diving for a volley before sending a forehand into an unguarded court to break for 5-4.
Hewitt was unsentimental as he closed out a 6-2 6-3 6-4 victory but then spoke with the Croat over the net for some time before Ivanisevic walked off to a standing ovation, wearing his beloved Croatian football top.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
Wimbledon 2004 - 25 June Order of Play
25 June 2004
Centre Court 12.00 noon Start
1. Gentlemen's Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Tim Henman (GBR)[5] v. Ivo Heuberger (SUI)
followed by:
2. Ladies' Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Elena Baltacha (GBR) v. Jennifer Capriati (USA)[7]
3. Gentlemen's Singles - 3rd Rnd.
Goran Ivanisevic (CRO) v. Lleyton Hewitt (AUS)[7]
4. Ladies' Singles - 3rd Rnd.
Maria Sharapova (RUS)[13] v. Daniela Hantuchova (SVK)
Source: wimbledon.org
Ivanisevic Wins 5-Setter to Set Up Hewitt Showdown
24 June 2004
WIMBLEDON (Reuters) - Goran Ivanisevic pulled off a spectacular 4-6, 7-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback victory over Italy's Filippo Volandri at Wimbledon Thursday to set up a third-round showdown with Lleyton Hewitt.
The Croatian, the 2001 winner playing in his final tournament before retirement, will now meet his successor as Wimbledon champion after Australian Hewitt overcame Irakli Labadze of Georgia 6-4, 6-4, 6-1 earlier in the day.
For almost two hours, it had seemed that Ivanisevic would be bidding Wimbledon farewell on court two -- dubbed the graveyard of champions.
But the determined 32-year-old refused to bow out and sealed victory in two hours 32 minutes after Volandri failed to return a booming serve.
As the packed crowd rose to give Ivanisevic a standing ovation, he hurled his racket into the stands and followed that with his shirt before acknowledging the loud cheers with his outstretched arms.
Three times a runner-up at the grasscourt event in the 1990s, Ivanisevic broke his grand slam drought by winning the Wimbledon final three years ago as a wildcard.
Since then, he has been plagued by injuries and failed to return to the All England Club until this week.
Although Ivanisevic was in imperious form during his first-round victory over Mikhail Youzhny, it did not take long for Volandri to crack his opponent's resolve Thursday.
No longer able to depend on his once fearsome serve, Ivanisevic was at Volandri's mercy during the first set as the Italian ran him ragged around the court.
Having been broken in third game, the 415th ranked Croatian served successive double faults to go 5-2 down before losing the set.
Ivanisevic offered hopes of a recovery after saving two set points against him in the second set tiebreak to snatch it 10-8, but was again outfoxed by Volandri in the third.
The crowd did their best to lift their man, but a dejected Ivanisevic could only shake his head ruefully and once again appeared to be struggling with his inner demons.
But then Ivanisevic started to torture the Volandri with an array of spectacular shots and draw level in the fourth.
The turning point came late in the match when Ivanisevic broke Volandri for a 5-4 lead with a thumping crosscourt winner and punched the air in delight as he looked up to the skies.
Two minutes later, a beaming Ivanisevic had sealed a date, probably on Center Court, with Hewitt.
Source: yahoo.com
Ivanisevic goes through
24 June 2004
Goran Ivanisevic kept his Wimbledon campaign on track with a remarkable victory over Filippo Volandri.
The 2001 champion, who has said he will retire after the Championships, came through 4-6 7-6 1-6 6-3 6-4.
Ivanisevic struggled at first in blustery conditions and was heading for defeat when he trailed two sets to one.
However, he levelled and claimed the crucial break at 4-3 in the fifth, before serving out to rapturous applause on Court Two.
The Croat, who is making an emotional return to Wimbledon for the first time since winning the title three years ago, faces Lleyton Hewitt next.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
Wimbledon 2004 - Order of Play
24 June 2004
Court 2 11.00 am Start
1. Gentlemen's Singles - 1st Rnd. Lee Childs (GBR) v. Sjeng Schalken (NED)[12]
followed by:
2. Ladies' Singles - 1st Rnd. Mary Pierce (FRA)[24] v. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)
3. Gentlemen's Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Goran Ivanisevic (CRO) v. Filippo Volandri (ITA)
4. Ladies' Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Aniko Kapros (HUN) v. Anastasia Myskina (RUS)[2]
5. Ladies' Doubles - 1st Rnd.
Yoon Jeong Cho (KOR)
Laura Granville (USA)
v. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS)[2]
Elena Likhovtseva (RUS)[2]
Source: wimbledon.org
Wimbledon 2004 - Day Three
23 June 2004
Court 2 12.00 noon Start
1. Gentlemen's Singles - 1st Rnd.
Lee Childs (GBR) v. Sjeng Schalken (NED)[12]
followed by:
2. Ladies' Singles - 1st Rnd.
Mary Pierce (FRA)[24] v. Virginia Ruano Pascual (ESP)
3. Gentlemen's Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Goran Ivanisevic (CRO) v. Filippo Volandri (ITA)
4. Ladies' Singles - 2nd Rnd.
Aniko Kapros (HUN) v. Anastasia Myskina (RUS)[2]
{rained off}
Source: wimbledon.org
Ivanisevic wins on return
21 June 2004
Goran Ivanisevic made a victorious return to Wimbledon against 31st seed Mikhail Youzhny after three years away.
The 2001 champion, who missed the last two years through injury, fulfilled his wish of playing at least one more match on Centre Court before retiring.
Ivanisevic broke Youzhny in the second game and went on to take the set, before rain stopped play soon after.
And the Croatian kept up the pressure when the match resumed, coming through 6-3 7-6 6-2 in one hour 26 minutes.
Ivanisevic came into the match with just two wins from 11 matches this year, and without a victory since March, and Youzhny was a strong favourite as world number 35.
However, from the moment the crowd hailed Ivanisevic as he stepped back onto Centre Court, the former champion looked in control of the situation.
Youzhny made an edgy start, losing his first service game, and that proved decisive as Ivanisevic served out the set.
Two rain breaks in the second set disrupted Ivanisevic's rhythm but some careful baseline rallying in the tie-break forced errors from Youzhny.
The tennis gods appeared still to be with the Croatian when a net-cord gave him three set points and he duly converted the second, to the delight of the SW19 crowd.
And the same patient baseline approach drew another break of serve in game four of the third set, before the match was wrapped up when Youzhny put a forehand long.
Ivanisevic soaked up the applause before hurrying off Centre Court, presumably keen to watch his beloved Croatia take on England in Euro 2004.
Source: news.bbc.co.uk
Wimbledon Latest
21 June 2004
16:20
Second set:
1542 BST: Play is suspended with Ivanisevic leading 15-0 on Zouzhny's serve in the fifth game of the second set.
Youzhny 3-6 2-2 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic is averaging an ace a game at the moment and although he loses a point by putting a volley in the net he holds with ease yet again.
Youzhny 3-6 2-1 Ivanisevic
Youzhny lures Ivanisevic in with a drop shot and then lobs him with a volley to win his service game with the minimum of fuss.
Youzhny 3-6 1-1 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic is holding his serve with ease and he races through another game without dropping a point.
Youzhny 3-6 1-0 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic produces an impish drop shot on his way to forcing a couple of break points but Youzhny serves his way out of trouble.
First set:
Youzhny 3-6 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic claims the first set in style as he fires down his fourth ace after 24 minutes of action.
Youzhny 3-5 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic can only smile and shake his head after dumping an ambitious drop shot into the net, but he bounces back with two searing service return winners to force deuce. However, Youzhny produces two big serves to escape with his serve.
Youzhny 2-5 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic is serving and volleying like a true Wimbledon champion and he races through his service game to love.
Youzhny 2-4 Ivanisevic
Youzhny looks to be warming up and he holds his serve to love. Youzhny 1-4 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic's fearsome serve looks to be in good working order despite his shoulder problem and he holds his serve with ease once more.
Youzhny 1-3 Ivanisevic
Youzhny fights off a break point to get himself on the scoreboard.
Youzhny 0-3 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic races through his service game and looks delighted to be back on his beloved grass at Wimbledon.
Youzhny 0-2 Ivanisevic
Ivanisevic comes up with a couple of fine shots to create two break points and duly breaks his Russian opponent at the first time of asking.
Youzhny 0-1 Ivanisevic
Youzhny produces two marvellous top-spin lobs as he forces deuce but Ivanisevic serves his way out of trouble.
1536 BST: The players are back on court knocking up. So far no rain has fallen this time.
1436 BST: No sooner have Ivanisevic and Youzhny stepped on court to start their warm-up then play is suspended as rain begins to fall.
LJUBICIC WINS THE CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE
19 June 2004
RESULTS OF PLAY SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2004
FINAL I. LJUBICIC (CRO) BT G. IVANISEVIC (CRO) 7-6(7), 6-3
The final of the BOODLE AND DUNTHORNE CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE was won by Croatian Ivan Ljubicic today when he defeated Goran Ivanisevic. Ljubicic and Ivanisevic entertained spectators with an exciting game. ‘We always have fun every time we play but both of us wanted to win,’ admitted Ljubicic. looking forward to Wimbledon next week he said, ‘this was perfect preparation for Wimbledon, these were great courts.’
when commenting on Ivanisevic’s form for his final Wimbledon, Ljubicic said, ‘he’s serving well, feeling good and returning well.’
‘I have been to many clubs but this is the best, it’s great preparation for Wimbledon,’ said Ivanisevic about Stoke Park Club.
Source: thechampionschallenge.com
THE BOODLE & DUNTHORNE CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE
18 June 2004
Goran Ivanisevic wins to go into his first BOODLE AND DUNTHORNE final tomorrow.
Results of play Friday 18 June 2004
G. IVANISEVIC (CRO) BT F. LOPEZ (ESP) 7-6(5), 7-6(5)
Goran Ivanisevic began his final weeks before retirement by defeating FELICIANO LOPEZ to take his place in the final of the champions challenge tomorrow. the final will see Ivanisevic against Ivan Ljubicic which will take place after 2pm and this will be his last match before Wimbledon. Asked of his plans for the future he commented, ‘I just want to enjoy my last couple of weeks of my career.’
Source: thechampionschallenge.com
Wimbledon Draw
17 June 2004
Goran Ivanisevic has been drawn against M Youzhny for the first round of Wimbledon.
Superset Tennis
17 June 2004
Goran is to play Superset Tennis, an exciting, new, entertainment charged tennis format, in October.
Thanks to Nic, Goran Mailing List, for the information.
Source: superset-tennis.com
THE BOODLE & DUNTHORNE CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE
16 June 2004
RESULTS OF PLAY WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE 2004
G. IVANISEVIC (CRO) BT N. MASSU (CHI) 7-6, 7-6
Goran Ivanisevic posted a straight set victory after defeating Nicolas Massu. The Croatian who is looking forward to his last Wimbledon commented, ‘Wimbledon is the best place to finish my career because it is the biggest honour, I have so many great memories there and want to leave this Wimbledon proud of what I have achieved in my career.’ he concluded, ‘There will be mixed emotions, I have another four days practising in my career and it will be tough after fifteen years leaving tennis.’
Source: thechampionschallenge.com
Ivanisevic ousted
09 June 2004
Another former Wimbledon champion, Goran Ivanisevic lost 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 6-4 to Romanian Victor Hanescu.
The Croatian won Wimbledon as a wild card three years ago but has been bothered by shoulder, elbow and knee injuries the last two years.
He ended 2003 ranked No 654 and has won just two of 10 ATP tour matches in 2004, although his ranking has improved to 415. He needed a wild card for Queen's.
He hopes to play at Wimbledon later this month before probably retiring.
"But I am happy, you know, the way I have played, the way everything has finished, so hopefully I have a good run at Wimbledon," said Ivanisevic.
Mario Ancic and Goran Ivanisevic, Croatia, def. Andre Sa, Brazil, and Jim Thomas, United States, 6-3, 7-5.
Source: ndtv.com
Goran at Queens
05 June 2004
According to Radio 5, Goran is certainly at Queens right now. Whether he plays or not remains to be seen, but apparently the front row of the players' lounge in front of the TV for the Henman v Coria semi at Roland Garros included Goran and Philippoussis! Thanks to my mate Cathy for the info.
Source: Emsr2d2
Some additional news on this -
Organisers have announced that 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic will play American Todd Martin in an exhibition clash at Surbiton tomorrow.
Ivanisevic plans to retire
24 May 2004
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic plans to retire at the All England club where he won the only Grand Slam title of his 15 years on the circuit.
"I've been thinking about it for the last two years," the 32-year-old said in the daily Sportske Novosti today.
"It's not easy to admit, but time trickles by and one day you have to draw the line and say enough."
Ivanisevic underwent shoulder surgery after he beat Australia's Pat Rafter in the 2001 Wimbledon final, and a series of injuries kept him from making a much-anticipated comeback to his favorite tournament.
"Wimbledon is something else. Two worlds, Wimbledon and the rest," he said.
"It's the biggest for any player. There is no better way to bow out. Hopefully I'll play on center court and win a few rounds."
Although he has dropped below 400 in the rankings and his left shoulder continues to cause unbearable sporadic pain, Ivanisevic still believes in miracles, much like in 2001, when he was 125th in the world and used a wild-card entry at Wimbledon to stun skeptics and take the title. (AP)
Source: AP
Ivanisevic announces Wimbledon swan song
24 May 2004
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic will bid farewell to tennis at the All England Club in July.
"There is no better place to say farewell than Wimbledon," the 32-year-old Croatian told the Sportske Novosti daily.
Ivanisevic, who won Wimbledon in 2001, said he had been thinking about quitting tennis for the past two years, during which he underwent a shoulder surgery.
"These were two very difficult years, shoulder operation, therapies," he said.
"Finding motivation to compete was a big problem, a lot of things have changed during those two years. Tennis is not the most important any more, the family is Number One now," Ivanisevic added.
With his girlfriend model Tatjana Dragovic, Goran has a 13-month-old daughter Amber Maria.
He is currently 123rd in the ATP rankings.
Source: AP
Ivanisevic cancels French Open
22 May 2004
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic said on Friday he has decided against competing in this year's French Open because he fears being eliminated in the first round by a lesser-known player.
"If I drew (American) Andre Agassi in the first round it would be a good way to say farewell to Roland Garros," the 32-year-old Croatian, who won Wimbledon in 2001, told reporters.
"I have been thinking a lot about Roland Garros and in the end accepted the truth that there is no real reason for me to go to Paris."
Ivanisevic however said he still planned to go to Wimbledon.
Source: AP
I’m fit only for women’s tennis, says Ivanisevic
15 May 2004
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic says his serve is now so weak that he would struggle to beat the Williams sisters.
On Wednesday the 32-year-old lost in a first round doubles match in a Zagreb Challenger tournament when he was playing with a 15-year-old fellow Croat. Instead of cursing and smashing racquets – the trademark of his 13-year career – the 2001 Wimbledon champion explained that time and injury had taken their toll on his once feared serve.
“My serve is not as good as it used to be. Other guys hit much harder ... Now I am ideal for women’s tennis.
“Serena, Venus and me – what a fight that would be,” he was quoted as saying in the daily Jutarnji List on Thursday.
Ivanisevic still dreams of playing one more time at the All England Club. However, his injured left arm is becoming increasingly troublesome, making him wonder if he should just rest before this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
“If only I could know my opponent (at the French Open). I would certainly agree to play (Andre) Agassi, but who could be bothered if they draw me against an unknown?
“Then again, perhaps Roland Garros would show the condition of my arm. I am not sure if it would last for five sets.”
Ivanisevic’s ranking has dropped to below 400 and he relies on wild cards to get into top events.
Source: Reuters
Ivanisevic eyes Wimbledon, loses in Italian Open
03 May 2004
ROME (AP) -- Goran Ivanisevic is playing on borrowed time and knows it. But the lure of Wimbledon is too strong to quit.
Ivanisevic lost to Radek Stepanek 6-2, 6-4 Monday in the first round of the Italian Open. Afterward, the hard-serving Croatian explained what brought him back to the tour after an eight-month layoff with shoulder, elbow and knee injuries.
"I'm playing because I want to play Wimbledon and there are two choices: to stay home and practice for two months, which I don't want to do, because I don't have fun practicing anymore, or just be on the tour and play," Ivanisevic said.
"My shoulder is better when I play. Like an engine -- when you stop, then it needs time to go on again. Every time I wake up, I don't know if I can serve or not."
Ivanisevic's serve was working against his Czech opponent Monday, but the slow, red clay rendered it mostly ineffective, and he was broken three times. He also committed 29 unforced errors to Stepanek's 14 in a match that lasted just 54 minutes.
It was a sharp contrast from Ivanisevic's memorable Wimbledon championship in 2001, when he beat Patrick Rafter 9-7 in the fifth set. At one point in that match, Ivanisevic looked skyward asking for help from the heavens, he said later.
"But you cannot argue with God," said Ivanisevic, 32. "You ask him one thing, he give me what I want, and I want more. I know a promise is a promise, but I thought he's going to let me play. But since then, everything is going downhill."
Since Ivanisevic returned from his injuries in February, he is yet to make it past the second round in eight tournaments. Last week at Munich, he lost to unheralded Alexander Waske in the first round.
His official ranking has dropped to No. 439, and the protected ranking that allows him access to top-tier tournaments might only last a few more events, depending on whether organizers grant him wild cards.
Against Stepanek, Ivanisevic looked straight ahead from his chair during changeovers. After, he sounded depressed.
"Everybody can play bad, but I don't feel good on the court," he said. "I felt a little bit lost, like I never played tennis before."
Ivanisevic rejected the idea that he keeps playing only for the money.
"Six thousand dollars is not going to help my financial problems," he said. "Every week I lose in the first round."
In other first-round matches Monday, Vince Spadea upset third-seeded Rainer Schuettler 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, fourth-seeded Tim Henman beat German qualifier Florian Mayer 7-5, 6-1, No. 5 David Nalbandian defeated Robin Soderling 6-4, 6-4, No. 6 Carlos Moya eliminated Alberto Martin 6-4, 6-2, and 2002 French Open champion Albert Costa beat 1997 Rome winner Alex Corretja 7-6 (5), 6-1.
In 2001, Henman lost an epic five-setter to Ivanisevic in the Wimbledon semifinals; the match was played over three days because of a series of rain delays.
Asked Monday about Ivanisevic's desire to continue playing, Henman said: "That's absolutely his decision."
"There are times when I'm sure it's frustrating, and you can watch him and see that he's struggling," Henman said. "It's a confidence thing -- he hasn't played any matches. If he can get a string of matches, then no reason why he can't play a lot better than he probably has been.
"When you've played as long as he has and achieved as much as he has, he can play as long as he wants to. It's not for anyone else to decide for him."
Ivanisevic agrees.
"I want to come to Wimbledon," he said. "I think I deserve that, maybe I don't, but I think I do."
Source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com