Goran Ivanisevic and his incredible feat at Wimbledon 2001

Goran Ivanisevic became a coach Novak Djokovic after the Serbian broke definitively with Marian Vajda. But nevertheless, before noting for his work with Nole, the Croatian established himself as one of the great tennis players of his time.

Ivanisevic began his career as a professional in the year 1988, year in which he won his first official title in doubles in Frankfurt, partnering with Rudiger Haas. But nevertheless, its presentation to the world in singles took place in 1990 when he was able to eliminate a star at Roland Garros like Boris Becker in first round. The German tennis player himself declared: “Not even God himself would have played better”.

Both would see their faces that same year, in the semifinals of Wimbledon. This time, Becker emerged victorious but predicted something that, Finally, would be fulfilled: “One day he will be champion of this tournament”.

Goran Ivanisevic Wimbledon champion 2001

It was quite some time before this prognosis was fulfilled and, very possibly, it was when least expected. Goran Ivanisevic, what became number 2 the world 1994, second only to one Pete Sampras, attended the edition of Wimbledon 2001 Being the 125 of the world thanks to a wild card awarded by tournament. Before, had lost three finals against Agassi (1992) and Sampras (1994 Y 1998).

But the edition of Wimbledon 2001 it was going to be the final one. As we say, the ranking of Ivanisevic prevented him from accessing the main draw but he was invited by the tournament for his great career on the London grass. Of course, the Croatian took advantage of his opportunity.

Slowly, Goran was overcoming rounds basing his game on his great serve. Thus, reached the final in which they would face off against Patrick Rafter. the aussie, who had lost the final a year earlier against Pete Sampras, started as favorite.

But nevertheless, after 3 hours and a total of 5 sets, Goran Ivanisevic achieved, at last, fulfill his big dream. Marker 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 makes it clear how exciting and dramatic the game was. The Croatian tennis player became the player with the lowest ranking and the first wild card to be proclaimed champion in Wimbledon.

Ivanisevic hung up the racket with a total of 9 ATP titles, among which stand out, In addition to his Grand Slam in Wimbledon 2001, Davis Cup with Croatia in 2005.

Coach of Novak Djokovic

Once retired from tennis, Ivanisevic He began his career as a coach. In 2013 started working with his compatriot Marin Cilic. Croatian tennis player, under the tutelage of Ivanisevic, got his only Grand Slam (US Open 2014).

In 2016 became a coach Tomas Berdych and in 2019 of Milos Raonic. All of them great tennis players before taking the big leap becoming the coach of Novak Djokovic. With the Serbian he began to work in 2019, first as a member of the team and from 2020 now as head coach.