Thanks Ivan Ljubicic!

I only learned today that Ivan Ljubicic, one of my favorite male players of the last decade had decided to hang up his racket in Monte Carlo.  He was actually planning to do it here in Roland Garros but it didn't pan out.  I will certainly miss this guy since during his heyday, he played solidly everytime, although he couldn't quite penetrate the Top 2 at that time, reaching as high as #3. He also failed to win a Grand Slam but did reach a semifinal here in RG.  We , his fans, wish him well in all his future endeavors!

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Ivan Ljubicic: Still Competitive in Beijing Open

Although not a seeded player coming into the Beijing Open, Ivan Ljubicic (#26) still shows how competitive he is by reaching the semifinals here.  He lost to fellow Croat Marin Cilic (#25) 64 63.

In the third round, he edged Russian Mikhail Youzhny (#37) 76(4) 67(4) 62.  In the second round, he defeated German Florian Mayer 60 26 63 and Teymuraz Gabashvili (#128) in the first round 75 75.

Wimbledon Day 1: Five Matches I'm Looking Forward to - Ivan Ljubicic and Marin Cilic

It will be a battle of two Croatians - one a veteran, the other, one of the country's future hopefuls.  I've always liked Ivan Ljubicic's quiet demeanor which usually belied his awesome talents, and although perpetually overshadowed by the trio of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, back when he was still in the upper echelons of the Top 5, he would always quietly work his way up the draw and get to the most successful stage that he possibly can.  Cilic, his compatriot, is an equally crafty player but has somehow lost a bit of his touch this year.  Ljubicic has been playing very well again since the French Open, and should continue his winning touch here in Wimbledon.

Ljubicic should win in four tight sets.