Ivo Karlović officially retires in letter to fans
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo credit: Steven Pisano / CC BY 2.0)
Croatian tennis player Ivo Karlović, who turns 45 next week, has officially retired today from the sport.
The 2.11m big server, who won 8 titles in his lengthy career and had a highest ranking of No. 14 in the world, shared the news with fans in a letter.
Dear fans and friends,
I hope this post finds you all in good spirits and with a strong backhand!
Some of you have noticed that it’s been a while since I played a tournament and still ask me on a daily basis if and when I’ll be returning to the tour. I’m sorry to disappoint, but with this letter, I want to make it official and finally announce my retirement.
I’ve had a very gratifying, unorthodox and long career coming from extremely humble beginnings, especially for a tennis player. Croatia was a very different country in the 80s and 90s when I was growing up, and I’m very proud of my accomplishments and what I’ve been able to overcome.
I’d like to thank all the coaches and people who were involved in and contributed to my development as a tennis player. Without you this fortunate journey would not have been possible.
My family provided tremendous support and I love them immensely. I’m looking forward to continuing to spend time with them doing things that are important to us and that fulfill us.
To all of you who were fans and supporters throughout the years, thank you for being a part of my journey. I love you all and I hope to see you again.
I will stay close to tennis and try to share my knowledge and all of the incredible experiences on tour with new generations of tennis players. The journey continues and the focus gets redirected. I am grateful.
Cheers,
Dr. Ivo
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Karlović held a number of records during his career. He was the all-time record holder for the most amount of aces, 13,728, on the ATP Tour before he was surpassed by American John Isner in 2022.
In 2021, he became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour match since Jimmy Connors (42) and in 2020 became the oldest player to win a match at a Grand Slam in 42 years when he defeated Canada’s Vasek Pospisil in the first round at the Australian Open.
