Tennis fans bid farewell to one of the sport’s towering figures as Ivo Karlovic, renowned for his booming serve, officially announced his retirement. The Croatian giant, standing at an impressive 2.11 meters (6 foot, 11 inches), took to social media to share the news, marking the end of a remarkable career spanning more than two decades.
Karlovic’s retirement comes over two years since his last competitive match on the ATP tour, with his final appearance dating back to October 2021 in Indian Wells, California. Prior to that, he bowed out of Grand Slam competition with a first-round loss at the U.S. Open, capping off an illustrious journey in professional tennis.
A standout moment in Karlovic’s career occurred in 2003 when he burst onto the scene at Wimbledon. Coming through the qualifying rounds, he stunned the tennis world by defeating defending champion Lleyton Hewitt in the tournament’s opening round. This win not only signified his Grand Slam debut but also etched its place in history, as Hewitt became the inaugural defending Wimbledon champion to exit in the opening round since the inception of the Open era in 1968.
Throughout his 25-year tenure, Karlovic amassed an impressive collection of achievements. He secured eight ATP singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 14 in August 2008. His best showing at a Grand Slam came at Wimbledon in 2009, where he advanced to the quarterfinals, showcasing his prowess on the grass courts.
Karlovic’s contributions weren’t limited to individual success. He played a pivotal role in Croatia’s Davis Cup triumph in 2005, aiding his nation in clinching their first-ever title with a victory over Slovakia in the final.
One of Karlovic’s most notable attributes was his thunderous serve, which earned him a place in the record books. With an astounding 13,728 aces to his name, he holds the distinction of being the second-highest ace scorer in tennis history, trailing only behind John Isner. His serve was a formidable weapon, with memorable performances including hitting at least 40 aces in three consecutive matches, a feat achieved during Wimbledon in 2015.
Despite his age, Karlovic continued to defy expectations on the court. At 42, he became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour match since Jimmy Connors in 1995, demonstrating his enduring passion and competitive spirit.
As news of his retirement spread, tributes poured in from fellow players and fans alike. Six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker hailed Karlovic’s serve as “the best in tennis,” acknowledging the indelible mark he left on the sport.
While Karlovic bids farewell to professional tennis, his legacy as one of the game’s most formidable servers and resilient competitors will endure. As fans reflect on his remarkable journey, they’ll remember the Croatian giant for his towering presence on the court and his unwavering dedication to the sport he loves.
