Ivanisevic To Be Inducted Into The International Tennis Hall Of Fame
27 January 2020 10:31
The International Tennis Hall of Fame announced on Monday that former World No. 2 Goran Ivanisevic will be inducted as part of its Class of 2020 on 18 July. He is the first Croatian to receive the honour.
“This is a huge honour. I am proud and humbled to become the first ever Tennis Hall of Famer from Croatia,” Ivanisevic said. “I am grateful to the committee for selecting me for this honour and so thankful to the fans who supported me in the Fan Vote and throughout my entire career, especially so many great fans in Croatia. I am honoured and excited to become a Hall of Famer.”
Ivanisevic, who currently in on 16-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic’s coaching team, was a lefty serve-and-volleyer who won 22 titles and 599 matches at tour-level.
In 2001, as World No. 125, Ivanisevic went on a dream run at Wimbledon as a wild card, eliminating three players who were former or future World No. 1s en route to triumphing in a five-set battle with Patrick Rafter in the final. That was his fourth appearance in the championship match at SW19, and his first and only Grand Slam singles championship. Ivanišević is also a two-time Olympic medalist, winning singles bronze and doubles bronze in 1992.
Stan Smith, president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame, spoke about the induction of Ivanisevic and Conchita Martinez, who is also part of the Class of 2020.
“We are thrilled to welcome Goran Ivanisevic and Conchita Martínez to the Hall of Fame,” Smith said. “Between their accomplishments on court and the way they’ve represented themselves, their countries, and our sport, they are undoubtedly among the best of the best in tennis and are most deserving of tennis’ ultimate honour.”.readfullarticle
