Goran Ivanisevic recalls his Davis Cup by BNP Paribas playing days for Yugoslavia and Croatia in the latest interview of the ITF’s Davis Cup Idols video series, which features former stars of the game talking about their experiences and memories of the competition.
Ivanisevic made his Davis Cup debut for Yugoslavia in 1988 and went on to represent Croatia when they began competing as an independent nation in 1993. He played a total of 26 ties and compiled a 48-15 win-loss record.
The charismatic left-hander appeared on court in Davis Cup for the last time in 2003 before making a comeback for the Final in 2005. He didn't play on that occasion, but he watched on from the bench as Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic combined to clinch Croatia's sole Davis Cup triumph with victory over Slovak Republic.
"I always loved to play Davis Cup, being with the guys for a week together and having fun. Playing for my country was always a proud moment," said Ivanisevic, who remains the only man to win the Wimbledon singles title as a wildcard after achieving the feat in 2001.
"In 2005 when Croatia won the Davis Cup, we achieved a lot. We had a lot of good players over the years. It's a great thing what these guys did in Davis Cup. It was really great to be there. Try to help them, say a few words. We were really like a team. Overall it was just a great experience to be there. I never thought that one day Croatia was going to win the Davis Cup."