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Goran Ivanišević

Goran Ivanišević is a Croatian former professional tennis player and coach.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Goran Ivanišević is a Croatian former professional tennis player and coach. He won the 2001 Wimbledon Championships as a wildcard, the only man to win a Grand Slam singles title in that way. He was known for his left-handed serve and later coached several top players, including Novak Djokovic.

Early life and playing style

Ivanišević was born in Split in 1971 and turned professional in 1988. He became known for a booming left-handed serve and aggressive play.

Professional career

He won 22 singles titles on the ATP Tour and reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 2 in 1994. His career also included repeated deep runs at Wimbledon and success in team competition for Croatia.

2001 Wimbledon victory

Ivanišević won Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard, defeating Patrick Rafter in the final. He remains the only singles player to win Wimbledon as a wildcard.

Retirement and coaching

After retiring from playing, he became a coach and worked with several players, including Marin Čilić and Novak Djokovic. His coaching career extended his influence in men’s tennis.

Recognition

Ivanišević was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020. He is widely regarded as one of the most notable serve specialists in tennis history.

Key facts

  • Won 22 ATP Tour-level singles titles during his career.
  • Won Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard entry while ranked world No. 125.
  • Was a Wimbledon runner-up in 1992, 1994, and 1998.
  • Was known for a powerful left-handed serve and held Wimbledon’s ace record for nearly two decades.
  • Was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Goran Ivanišević?
He is a Croatian former professional tennis player and coach best known for winning Wimbledon in 2001 as a wildcard.
What is Goran Ivanišević famous for?
He is famous for his powerful serve, his 2001 Wimbledon title, and his status as the only Wimbledon singles champion to enter as a wildcard.
How many ATP singles titles did he win?
He won 22 ATP Tour-level singles titles.
What was his highest singles ranking?
He reached world No. 2 in singles.
Did he coach after retiring?
Yes. After retiring, he worked as a tennis coach, including roles with Marin Čilić and Novak Djokovic.
Was he inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Yes. He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2020.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goran_Ivani%C5%A1evi%C4%87
    Supports: 22 ATP singles titles, 2001 Wimbledon win, wildcard record, Wimbledon runner-up finishes, ace record, Hall of Fame induction
  2. Olympedia — https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/2343
    Supports: Full name, birth date and place, nationality, professional career dates, wildcard Grand Slam title note
  3. ATP Tour — https://www.atptour.com/en/players/goran-ivanisevic/i034/bio
    Supports: Full name, junior ranking, Olympic participation, Davis Cup record, coaching after retirement
  4. ESPN — http://www.espn.com/tennis/s/atp/profiles/ivanisevic.html
    Supports: Left-handed play, birth date and birthplace, career titles