MADRID: After a seven-year winning drought at the Caja Magica in Madrid, the seemingly ageless Ivo Karlovic has ended his losing run in style.
Facing a formidable Roberto Bautista Agut, the Croat prevailed in a three-hour grudge match. Renowned for his blistering serve, Karlovic fired 35 aces to edged the Spaniard out 7-6(4), 6-7(9), 7-6(7). The match was as much as a mental test than a physical one. Five match points came and went in the second set before the Croat triumphed 68 minutes later.
“It was a really difficult match and it was a good match. I played at a good level throughout each and every set.” Karlovic told ubitennis.net. “I had an opportunity in the second. He (Bautista Agut) was playing unbelievable on both match points.”
“I had to regroup because after you lose a set like that it’s not easy. I was strong mentally and in the end that paid off.”
Tuesday’s win at the Caja Magica wasn’t just an ordinary thing, it was a milestone in Karlovic’s long career. His last triumph at the Madrid Open occurred in 2010. Since then injury and illness has contributed to his early exits at the tournament. He was well aware of the unflattering fact before taking to court, but the world No.22 refused be bothered by it.
“Every year it was injury, then it was food poisoning. Everything year was unlucky, but this year I’m finally healthy.“ He explained.
Age ain’t nothing, but a number
Given his age, some argue that time is running out for Karlovic and his career on the tour. Then again, the sky’s the limit for a player blessed with such a powerful serve. Retirement is not in sight for the Croat, who is targeting a run back into the top-20.
“This year I was struggling after the Australian Open, but now I feel good. Hopefully I will stay healthy and continue like this.” An upbeat Karlovic said.
Part of karlovic’s longevity on the tour is his ability to adapt his body. The three-hour thriller against Bautista Agut has visibly taken its toll on the 6ft 10in player, but it is his mental toughness that continues to get him through.
“As you get older it takes a little bit longer to recover, but I will do everything I can.” He said ahead of his Wednesday match.
Awaiting him in the third round will be Grigor Dimitrov, a player who was just 10-year-old when Karlovic made his ATP Tour debut in 2001. He has lost to the Bulgarian twice in 2016 and hasn’t defeated him since 2014. Nevertheless, the 38-year-old has defied the odds throughout his entire career.
