Goran Ivanisevic turns 47! On the occasion of his birthday, tennisnet dares to look back on a career full of ups and downs.
Ivanisevic has long been accused of being a nerve-racking player. He left the field as a loser in matches he should never have lost and showed his nerves time and again in decisive situations. But that’s what made him so human and popular.
Until 2001 the Croatian would have given a lot to exchange his popularity at least for a Wimbledon title. The monster served three times in the final, but just as often he took the short straw.
In 1992 Andre Agassi faced him. The first four rounds were divided fraternally – the fifth set had to bring the decision. At 4-5, Ivanisevic made two double mistakes in a row – the game was lost a short time later.
Two years later he had no chance against Pete Sampras, after two lost tiebreaks at the beginning he lost the third section 0:6. In 1998 my opponent was again called “Pistol Pete” and again Ivanisevic was without a title. He lost the match 2:6 in the decisive fifth set.
The lack of cold-bloodedness seemed to run like a red thread through the career of the former world leader. Three quarter-final participations in Melbourne and Paris as well as a semi-final at the US Open were in addition to the three finals in London – Ivanisevic always failed shortly before the very big throw.
Since his ranking position no longer allowed him to compete in the main field, he received a wildcard from the organizer. After winning five sets against Tim Henman, the Croatian played his fourth final in the All England Club. His opponent in the final: Pat Rafter.
The match went – how could it be otherwise – into the fifth set. But history should not repeat itself this time. Ivanisevic broke for 8:7 and only had to retire. “Just.” The Croatian swayed enormously, served double mistakes, missed match points. But in the end it should be enough: He used his fourth match point to win 6:3, 3:6, 6:3, 2:6 and 9:7. Ivanisevic had reached the goal of his dreams.
He is still the only wildcard player ever to win a Grand Slam tournament. In 2004, Ivanisevic announced his retirement from tennis. But his ascent and descent continued even after his active career: In 2005, the 22-time tournament winner got into financial difficulties.
Ivanisevic seems to have recovered well. In 2014 he led his farmer Marin Cilic to his US open triumph. Today the Croatian is training the Canadian Milos Raonic.
We wish Goran Ivanisevic all the best for his 47th birthday and much success with his current protégé!