The veteran Ivo Karlovic is getting out of his retirement from Davis Cup to play the 2016 final between Croatia and Argentina in Zagreb.
The 37 year-old Karlovic had retired from the competition in 2012, due to multiple injuries. “If I want to play some more years in the tour I need to stay healthy” he had said.
But with Borna Coric in doubt after a knee surgery, the Croat giant decided to make a comeback. He was part of the Croatian team in 2006 when Croatia won the competition but he did not play the final, so he probably has his biggest ever chance this year.
“Playing three matches in three days is very hard, expecially at 37. But now the situation is not easy for the team, and I knew I was going to be called. I had a different schedule for that period, but I know that the match is very important for the team, for Zagreb, the Croatian tennis and the Croatian sport in general. I have talked to my family and we have decided that I will help as much as I can.” Karlovic said.
Former Croatian tennis star Goran Ivanisevic also spoke about that: “It was the only right thing to do. After Borna’s injury, Ivo did the right thing. Now he has the opportunity to retire from the Davis Cup like a true doctor, playing the final at home, and like a winner. I think we are better, but this is a final. Argentine has played four finals and has never won, so they will be very motivated. The most important thing is that our players stay healthy before the final, Ivo is 37, not 20. But the team needs him..” he said.
The big serving Karlovic is ranked 21st at the moment and he is set to play five straight tournaments: Tokyo, Shanghai, Stockholm, Vienna and Paris Bercy. A big end of 2016 awaits him.
