Croatian giant Ivo Karlovic has announced his retirement from tennis at the age of 44, marking the end of a remarkable career during which he hit over 13,000 aces. Standing at 2.11 meters tall, Karlovic's powerful serve and unconventional style posed challenges for some of the brightest names in tennis, winning two of his three encounters against world number one Novak Djokovic.
Having last participated in professional tournaments at Indian Wells in 2021 and with his 45th birthday approaching this month, Karlovic confirmed his retirement to fans via social media. He wrote, "It's been a long time since I last participated in a professional tournament, and some still ask daily whether I will return to competition and when that would be. I apologize for any feelings of disappointment; I am writing this message to officially announce my retirement from tennis."
Karlovic turned professional in 2000 and enjoyed significant success in his first Grand Slam match three years later by defeating defending champion Lleyton Hewitt at Wimbledon. His best result in a Grand Slam also came at Wimbledon in 2009 when he reached the quarterfinals.
Fans will also remember Karlovic for his longevity in a physically demanding sport, as he ranks second in the all-time list for most aces hit, trailing only American John Isner (14,470 aces). He also recorded one of the fastest serves in the game, clocking in at 251 kilometers per hour during a Davis Cup match in 2011.
Karlovic achieved his highest ATP ranking of 14 in 2008 after defeating then-world number one Roger Federer on his way to the semifinals of the Cincinnati tournament. Karlovic added, "I had a wonderful, unconventional, and long career, especially after such a humble beginning. Croatia was a completely different country in the 1980s and 1990s when I was young, and I am very proud of my accomplishments and what I have achieved." He ended his career with a total of eight titles, the last being in 2016.
