Ljubicic Retires From Tennis

Croatia’s Ivan Ljubicic said his goodbyes to tennis on Monday, after suffering a 6-0, 6-3 opening defeat to compatriot Ivan Dodig at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The first-round loss was the end of the line for the shaven-headed Croatian icon, who last played in an opening loss in Dubai two months ago.

The Monte Carlo-based veteran, 33, had previously announced the elite event in the principality which opened the pre-French Open run would be his last hurrah in the sport.

“I had my mind everywhere else except on the tennis court. Obviously I’m completely out of shape. I don’t even think it makes any sense to talk about the match today.

“I have to say that I felt like it could end up emotional but I didn’t expect these big emotions really. It’s the end of something beautiful for me. It’s been 20 years and now it’s time to do something else.”

After the loss, a tearful Ljubicic was honoured in an on-court ceremony by ATP boss Brad Drewett and tournament director Zeljko Franulovic.