Croatian tennis player Ivo Karlovic, renowned for his formidable serve, has formally announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 44, marking his last match over two years ago. With a towering height of 6 feet 11 inches, Karlovic made the declaration via social media, expressing appreciation for his lengthy and unconventional career, particularly considering his modest origins in the sport.
The seasoned player concluded his final ATP match in 2021 during a second-round qualifying match in Indian Wells, California. Prior to this, his last appearance in a Grand Slam tournament resulted in a singles defeat at the US Open, approximately six weeks earlier. In his retirement announcement, Karlovic disclosed his intention to solidify his decision, acknowledging the inquiries from fans regarding his potential return to the tour. He conveyed regret at disappointing his supporters with this news.
Karlovic initially gained recognition in 2003 by qualifying for Wimbledon and causing a notable upset in the first round by defeating defending champion Lleyton Hewitt. This triumph established him as the first player to defeat a defending Wimbledon champion in the first round since the commencement of the Open era in 1968. Over the course of his 25-year career, Karlovic secured eight singles titles and accumulated a record of 371 wins and 346 losses, earning a total of $10.1 million in prize money. His highest ranking was at No. 14 in August 2008, and he achieved the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2009. Additionally, he contributed to Croatia’s Davis Cup victory in 2005, marking the country’s inaugural title.
Moreover, Karlovic holds the distinction of having the second-highest number of aces in the history of tennis, with 13,728 aces to his credit, closely trailing behind John Isner. Notably, he reached a milestone by recording 45 aces in a best-of-three-set match at Halle in 2015, and he sustained this exceptional performance by delivering at least 40 aces in three consecutive matches at Wimbledon later that year. His impressive career has garnered recognition from fellow tennis professionals, with six-time Grand Slam singles champion Boris Becker acknowledging Karlovic’s serve as the best in tennis.
As Ivo Karlovic bids adieu to professional tennis, he leaves behind a legacy characterized by his exceptional serving prowess, memorable victories, and a remarkable journey from modest beginnings to a successful and enduring career in the sport.