Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic is a serious candidate to fill the vacant position of captain of the Croatian Davis Cup team, according to local media.
A week before the start of the Davis Cup finals, the Croatian Tennis Federation announced the unexpected departure of former captain Zeljko Krajan. An announcement that drew two different accounts regarding what happened. A statement said the decision was made on a ‘mutual basis,’ however, Krajan disputed this. Saying that he was ready to attend the finals in Madrid and there was a dispute between the two.
Filling in for him was world No.35 doubles player Franko Skugor, who took the role on a temporary basis. Unfortunately Croatia failed to leave a mark on the 18-team event after finishing bottom in their group and losing all six of the matches they played. Becoming the only team to do so. Borna Coric was the only member to win a set, which was against Karen Khachanov.
Following their Davis Cup woes, officials are contemplating who should take over the captaincy with the rumoured frontrunner being Ivanisevic. Who still holds the most doubles wins (13) for his country in the tournament along with Ivan Ljubicic. The 48-year-old is yet to comment on the matter, but has received backing from Cilic.
“I have no problem on that side. It would be my favourite if he took it because it belongs to him. It would be nice for him and a positive for all of us,’ Cilic told Sportsket.net.
Although there is a complication to any potential appointment of the former top 10 player. Ivanisevic is currently a coach to Novak Djokovic and has been working with him since the start of this year’s Wimbledon Championships. Should he take on the role, it is unclear if there will be any effect on his work with the 16-time grand slam champion.
“Of course it is nice to hear such information. Everything should be seen, but I do not mind, and it is quite natural for Goran to be the coach of Croatia. Honestly, this is the first time I have heard about this opportunity, but Goran has my support,” Djokovic told reporters in Madrid earlier this week.
Croatia will take on either India or Pakistan in the qualification round for the 2020 Davis Cup in March.
