The ATP Tour 2021 did not take long to create a historic match of the season. At the Delray Beach Open, the first tournament of the year, Croatia’s Ivo Karlovic became the oldest match-winner since 1995.
The 41-year-old defeated Spain’s Pablo Andujar 6-3, 5-7, and 6-4. In doing so, he made himself a place in the history books after the American legend Jimmy Connors who had won a match as a 42-year-old in 1995 Halle Open.
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But that’s not all, the 6 ft. 11 inch Croatian also beat his best ace-record of his career. Ivo smashed a strong 27 aces against the 34-year-old Pablo. As a result, his win percentage on the first serve stayed at 81%.
Read More: Novak Djokovic: “I Do Feel Like Ivo Karlovic”
Ivo Karlovic: the oldest match-winner since 1995
Turning professional in 2000, the Croatian has spent more than 2 decades at the highest level in tennis. He is also the all-time record holder of most aces in a career at 13,646. Additionally, he has hit most aces on a Tour for four years in the last 2 decades.
Having attained a career-high of World No. 14, Karlovic has won 8 ATP titles in his career. He will face Ecuadorian Roberto Quiroz in the second round on Sunday as he seeks a ninth title.
Given the experience on the Tour, the Croatian has an upper-hand on his next opponent. The win in the first round will certainly affect his approach in the next match.
Karlovic is also remembered for winning the 2004 Davis Cup for Croatia. Despite his longevity, he still has the spirit of winning matches on the Tour.
The 41-year-old is definitely an example of the spirit of the sport. More than anything, tennis is about the gut and the passion to persuade a goal. He will celebrate his 42nd birthday next month.
A month shy of his 42nd (!) birthday and @ivokarlovic is still winning on the ATP Tour 😳
The 2015 champion outlasts Pablo Andujar 6-3 5-7 6-4 behind 27 aces to reach R2 in Delray Beach.#DBOpen pic.twitter.com/poATAN0Z6b
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 9, 2021
Can Karlovic win the Delray Beach Open?
It will be a dream come true for the Croatian to clinch the title from here on. But the presence of Americans John Isner and Frances Tiafoe make Ivo’s chances slim to none. On the other hand, his achievements wouldn’t go unnoticed.
Tonight’s achievements for Ivo:
✅ Career-best ace record (27) at Delray Beach Open
✅ Oldest player to win an ATP main draw match since Jimmy Connors in 1995@ivokarlovic | #DBOpen pic.twitter.com/adOaEQXU9i— Delray Beach Open (@DelrayBeachOpen) January 9, 2021
However, the 41-year-old will enter his next match with a fresher mindset to do the same job again. And as far as upsets go, tennis is the most popular sport to give out an unexpected result.
Without a doubt, Karlovic has given the 2021 season a perfect boost. Let us see where the season heads on from here.
Also Read: Ivo Karlovic – “I’m Not Done Yet”
