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Tennis giant Ivo Karlovic announces retirement at 44, closing chapter on towering career

Posted : 21 February 2024

Towering Croatian tennis player Ivo Karlovic, known for his powerful serves and unorthodox style, officially announced his retirement at the age of 44. Standing at 2.11 meters, Karlovic's career featured over 13,000 aces that posed challenges for some of the sport's top names, including winning two out of three meetings with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

 

Having last competed at Indian Wells in 2021 and with his 45th birthday approaching, Karlovic shared the retirement news on social media, expressing gratitude to fans for their inquiries about his potential return to the tour.

 

Karlovic turned professional in 2000 and gained attention in his debut Grand Slam match in 2003 by defeating defending champion Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon. His most notable Grand Slam performance was reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2009.

 

Recognized for his longevity in the physically demanding sport, Karlovic's impressive career includes 13,728 aces, standing second only to John Isner. Notably, he delivered one of the fastest serves in the game, a 251kph blast during a Davis Cup match in 2011.

 

Achieving a career-high ranking of No. 14 in 2008 after defeating then-world No. 1 Roger Federer on the way to the Cincinnati semifinals, Karlovic reflected on his journey from humble beginnings in Croatia, a country that underwent significant changes during his upbringing in the 80s and 90s.

 

Karlovic expressed pride in his accomplishments and resilience throughout his "gratifying, unorthodox, and long career." Concluding his tennis journey with eight titles, the last of which was secured in 2016, Karlovic bids farewell to the sport.

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