Official: Goran Ivanisevic is a Hall of Famer!
Goran Ivanisevic has now officially taken his place in the tennis hall of fame. On Saturday the Croat was grateful and humble in Newport.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jul 18, 2021, 05:14 pm
What lasted a long time finally turned out to be good in the summer of 2001: After several unsuccessful attempts, Goran Ivanisevic also took the last hurdle at Wimbledon, won his first and only Grand Slam in a legendary - and probably the atmospherically best final ever - on Monday's final against Patrick Rafter. Competition. There should be no question that Ivanisevic is now one of the greats as a coach. Even before the Croatian signed on to Novak Djokovic's team, Ivanisevic led his compatriot Marin Cilic to the 2014 US Open title.
And now the left-hander from Split has got his place in the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As the first representative of his country. Which Ivanisevic also immediately emphasized in his acceptance speech. “We are a small country with a huge heart. We never stop believing in ourselves. I've had a lot of ups and downs, but I never stopped believing in myself. For the first time in my life I can say: I am proud of myself. "
McEnroe honors Ivanisevic
Goran Ivanisevic did not lack humor in his introductory speech. “It wasn't easy to be a fan of mine,” he added. “It was frustrating, it was sad, a lot of people probably got divorced because of me. But one thing is certain: It was entertaining to be a fan of mine. ”Especially since you could choose your Goran from at least three: the good Goran, the bad Goran - and especially in the two weeks of Wimbledon 2001 also the one Emergency Goran. In any case, Ivanisevic did not forget to thank the organizers at the Alle England Lawn Tennis Club: Without their wildcard 20 years ago, he would not be here.
Words of praise also came from someone who has long since taken his place in the Hall of Fame: John McEnroe. “I love Goran Ivanisevic,” began the legendary American. “And I'm absolutely thrilled to be inducting someone into the Hall of Fame who was certainly crazier than me. But here's the truth: he was great for tennis, has a great personality. Yes, he's a character, has a serious game. He's left-handed, I like that. And he's super talented. "
In addition to Ivanisevic, Conchita Martinez and the "Original Nine" led by Billie-Jean King were also inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.