Retired Croatian tennis player Goran Ivanišević is one of the leading athletes from his country to have competed in tennis and in 2001 made headlines around the world when he became the first and only person to have won the Wimbledon Championship as a wildcard.
Ivanišević turned professional in 1988 and quickly became known for his strong play style and powerful serve. He was widely respected by his opponents who often felt that, at the top of his game, he could beat anyone in the sport.
Following strong performances at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where he won Bronze Medals in the Men’s Doubles and Singles tournaments, he reached a career-high ranking of world No.2. In 1996 Ivanišević won five singles titles and the following year caused an upset by defeating the ‘king of clay’ Thomas Muster on a clay surface.
Prior to entering the 2001 Wimbledon Championships Ivanišević had suffered with a persistent shoulder injury and was ranked No. 125 in the world. He went on to defeat Andy Roddick amongst others and went on to win the Grand Slam after he beat the favourite Patrick Rafter. The win is remembered as one of the Greatest Sporting Moments and saw Ivanišević win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Overseas Personality Award.
Follow Goran Ivanišević:
https://www.goranivanisevic.com/
