Sporting superstars - Goran Ivanisevic - career HLs & video of Croatian tennis sensation

 

Goran Ivanišević, born on September 13, 1971, in Split, Croatia, is renowned for his explosive serve and unpredictable yet charismatic style of play. Known as one of the greatest servers in tennis history, Ivanišević captured the imagination of tennis fans with his flamboyant personality and thrilling performances, particularly on grass courts. His aggressive style, coupled with a never-give-up attitude, made him a fan favorite and cemented his place in tennis history.

Style of Play

Aggressive, Powerful, and Tenacious:

Ivanišević was best known for his booming left-handed serve, which was often described as one of the most powerful and effective serves in the history of the sport. His ability to fire aces at will was his greatest weapon, especially on fast surfaces like grass.

His style of play revolved around attacking from the baseline with his serve and then following it up with aggressive groundstrokes. He was also proficient at coming to the net, making him a dangerous player in both singles and doubles formats.

Ivanišević was known for his emotional intensity on the court, which could work both to his advantage and detriment. When his mind was in the right place, he was nearly unstoppable, especially on his favorite surface, grass.

Career Achievements

Wimbledon Triumph

Ivanišević’s career-defining moment came in 2001, when he won Wimbledon in one of the most remarkable stories in tennis history. After receiving a wildcard entry into the tournament due to a low ranking (No. 125), Ivanišević went on to defeat Patrick Rafter in a thrilling five-set final to claim his only Grand Slam title.

Wimbledon 2001 Final: Ivanišević defeated Rafter 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 2–6, 9–7 in a match that captivated tennis fans worldwide. His victory, which came after three previous runner-up finishes at Wimbledon (1992, 1994, and 1998), made him the first (and still only) wildcard to win Wimbledon.

Grand Slam Record

Grand Slam Singles Titles: 1 (Wimbledon 2001)

Grand Slam Runner-up Finishes:

Wimbledon (3): 1992 (lost to Andre Agassi), 1994 (lost to Pete Sampras), 1998 (lost to Pete Sampras)

ATP Titles and Other Achievements

Over the course of his career, Ivanišević won 22 ATP singles titles and 9 doubles titles.

He was ranked as high as World No. 2 in singles in July 1994.

Ivanišević also had notable success in the Davis Cup, helping Croatia reach the semifinals in 1996. His passion for playing for his country earned him great respect and admiration.

Olympic Success

Ivanišević also had success on the Olympic stage, winning a bronze medal in singles and doubles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. His Olympic achievements added another dimension to his already impressive tennis resume.

Legacy and Impact

Ivanišević's Wimbledon victory in 2001 is widely regarded as one of the most memorable moments in tennis history. His resilience and perseverance, after years of coming close to a Grand Slam title, resonated with fans around the world.

Ivanišević remains a beloved figure in tennis, admired for his powerful game, emotional style, and engaging personality. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, where he helped guide players like Marin Čilić and Novak Djokovic to further success, including Djokovic’s Wimbledon titles.

Goran Ivanišević’s combination of incredible talent, emotional energy, and memorable moments ensures that he will always be remembered as one of the most unique and compelling figures in the sport. His 2001 Wimbledon triumph remains a testament to his never-say-die attitude and love for the game.

In the below video , courtesy Wimbledon videos  watch the Wimbledon 2001 journey of Ivanisevic