Website design By BotEap.comGoran Ivanisevic was born on September 13, 1971 in the Croatian city of Split. He started playing tennis at the age of 7 and turned professional at 17. In 1988, Ivanisevic was ranked 351st, but two years later he was ranked 9th in the world. He caught the attention of tennis fans during the French Open in 1990, defeating Boris Becker in the first round and reaching the quarterfinals.

Website design By BotEap.comIn the next 8 years, Goran played three Wimbledon finals, and each time he failed to win this precious Grand Slam Trophy. In 1992, when he reached the first Wimbledon singles final, he was very close to him, but Andre Agassi was better in five sets. In 1994, Ivanisevic lost another All-England Club final, this time to defending champion Pete Sampras in straight sets. However, later that year, Goran Ivanisevic reached his career-high singles ranking as World No. 2. He had a third chance to win Wimbledon in 1998, again facing Sampras, but lost in five sets after being in a winning position.

Website design By BotEap.comAt that moment it seemed that his luck had run out. Add to that his fierce temper that caused him problems on the tennis court many times, like breaking his rackets or cursing in his native language when he lost the point. “The problem with me is that every game I play against five opponents: referee, public, ball boy, court and myself,” he admitted.

Website design By BotEap.comIn June 2001, Goran’s fortunes began to change. He was now ranked number 125, but the All-England Club decided to give him a wild card. Determined to win this time, he defeated Andy Roddick, Marat Safin and faced Tim Henman in the semi-finals. This incredible match against the ‘last English hope’ took three days due to rain interruptions, but Goran won in 5 sets.

Website design By BotEap.comThe final match against Australian Patrick Rafter took place on Monday, allowing thousands of Croatian and Australian fans to buy tickets at the gate and enthusiastically support their favorite players. In one of the most memorable finals in Grand Slam history, 29-year-old Goran Ivanisevic finally won Wimbledon at his 14th attempt, defeating Rafter 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9. -7. He was a close shave. Goran was so nervous that he lost three championship points, but finally, on the fourth point, he slapped a service winner and the title was his. Emotionally drained, he threw himself on the grass and burst into tears, just like the rest of us cheering him on!

Website design By BotEap.comHis title celebration took place in Goran’s hometown of Split, where more than 150,000 people gathered to welcome their beloved champion. Taking off his shirt after every victory at Wimbledon that year became his trademark, and there, on the Split pier, he did not disappoint his fans (especially the women): crazy as he was, he even stripped down to underpants, throwing his clothes in euphoric crowd!

Website design By BotEap.comIn 2004, three years after winning this last title, Ivanisevic retired. He won 22 ATP singles titles in total. Goran’s biggest regret remained that he never made it to number one in the world. How could he? Another tennis genius, Pete Sampras, was at the peak of his career at the time, so it turned out to be “mission impossible” for Goran.

Website design By BotEap.comHe currently plays on the ATP Champions Tour, often taking part in charity matches such as the one against John McEnroe that took place in Dubrovnik in 2010. Privately, Goran enjoys spending time with his children Amber Maria and Emanuel.

Website design By BotEap.comEven now, whenever he is on the tennis court, the audience doesn’t expect to see an ordinary match. They expect a spectacular game and great entertainment. After all, as Goran once said: ‘In every game I play, there are three players in me that could come out at any moment, Good Goran, Bad Goran and Crazy Goran. Everyone can serve aces.