I love Ivan LJubicic. I love him for being an old dude in a sport of boys. I love his big bald head. I love his intelligence. I love his one handed backhand. I love that he doesn’t suffer fools. I just love him! Enjoy:
Ivan was ranked as high as #3 in the world back in 2006. He’s been sliding down the list ever since, but has experienced a mini resurgence this season, at 30 years old. Ranked in the 70s a year ago, he’s now at #28. He says in the video that he will retire when he feels he doesn’t have a chance at the Top 20 anymore. Winning a set off Rafael Nadal last week in Shanghai (before boarding the injury train with the rest of the players) may convince him to extend his career.
And is there any doubt that he’s going to become one of the tour’s best coaches when his playing days are over?
Speaking of boys – here’s Eric Butorac and Ross Hutchins behind the scenes in Moscow:
Tags: ATP, Ljubicic, tennis, Video of the Day
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He’s very mature for 30 years old! His brain works like 40s already. I understand what you’re talking about “old dude among boys”. Did you recall an interview http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlJFtC_CiBM?
While all the kids are crazy about Gladiator, Braveheart, etc? Ivan’s answer is the most sophisticated!
Jess, I recall his answer as well. Very thoughtful and sophisticated. He explained how the movie was about the war in Bosnia and that it told the true story using dark humor. It is amazing what people can live through and still have the courage to relive it…
I also remember nearly splitting my sides when Roger included “Dirty Dancing” as one of his favorite action movies! ROFLMAO! XD
As for Rafa, the fact that he left our the “Bourne Identity” series and “Mama Mia” makes me VERY suspicious of that clip!
Thanks Jess for bringing up that video! It’s one of my faves, and I do remember Ljuby’s thoughtful response. He was equally deep in the features about food and books. I hope the ATP keeps that series going – it’s so fun to (over) analyze the players’ responses.
And the Dirty Dancing comment is one of my favorite Federer quotes ever. What a goof!
professor ljubi is awesome! i love his smooth booming serve and backhand. and i love how professional, well spoken and thoughtful he is. i always think he’s like 40, because he just has this look about him. it’s nice to see him playing well.
He’s one of the oldest looking 30 year olds I’ve ever seen! The man has some major gravitas.
I definitely like his straight-forward, no-nonsense personality. And his game is elegant, too.
I agree. His life story really explains a lot when it comes to his demeanor and mindset. It is an amazing one and an extremely sad one. I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to live through the horror that he has experienced. The people of Croatia and Kosovo have been through a lot (and even saying that is a gross understatement). Even Marin Cilic, at his tender age, has a similar maturity and a strange bleakness and calm. And to think that so many people today only KNOW that kind of a life and horror.
I hope Ljubi is able to enjoy tennis as long as he wishes!
I liked the video about Ivan. My sense in watching him play is that he is older than 30 – as mentioned by others – more like 40. That is prob a combination of bald head and steady grounded game. I like listening to him – very calm. I like him and could see him coaching after retirement.