There probably aren’t many fans left with a return of Ivo Karlovic counted on the tour. So that the last hopefuls can rest, the serving giant has now officially announced the end of his career.
by Daniel Hofmann
last edited: February 21, 2024, 1:28 p.m
© Getty Images
Ivo Karlovic on his last appearance in 2021 in Indian Wells.
The now 44-year-old played his last match on the tour in October 2021. In the second qualifying round of the Indian Wells Masters tournament, the Croatian lost to Emilio Gomez in three sets. Afterwards it became quiet around Ivo Karlovic.
A week before his 45th birthday, the long-time tennis professional, who achieved his best world ranking of 14th in 2008, announced his final retirement from professional tennis on the X platform.
Ivo Karlovic was one of the special players on the tour, not only because of his height of 2.11 meters, his many aces and his unorthodox game. The eight-time title holder on the ATP Tour always knew how to provide entertainment on the court. Karlovic, who didn’t always take himself seriously, was so popular with fans. For this reason, many were certainly hoping for a comeback to this day, even if “Dr. Ivo” announced the end of his career before the US Open 2021.
Ivo Karlovic would hold the ace record
In addition to his aforementioned eight titles on the ATP Tour, his best result at the Grand Slams is a quarter-final appearance in 2009. Of course, this was achieved on the lawn at Wimbledon, where the strong serving Karlovic was able to exploit his strengths. As of 2015 he held the record for most aces hit on the tour, but he had to cede it to John Isner in 2022.
The phrase that there won’t be anyone like him again in the near future may really apply to Ivo Karlovic. What is certain is that he was the greatest for a long time, without undermining the “GOAT debate” so beloved by so many fans.
To Ivo Karlovic’s ATP profile
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2024-02-21 10:40:00
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