Sporting Witness
Sporting Witness
Goran Ivanisevic's Wimbledon Wildcard Win
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July 7, 2018
9 minutes
Available for over a year
In July 2001, the Croatian Goran Ivanisevic became the first wildcard player to take the Men’s Singles crown at Wimbledon. Ivanisevic had lost three previous finals and fallen to number 125 in the world rankings, but managed to win an epic five-set match against Pat Rafter of Australia. The final was played on a Monday because of a rain delay and had one of the best atmospheres in Wimbledon history. Simon Watts introduces the memories of Ivanisevic and Rafter.
PHOTO: Goran Ivanisevic with the 2001 Wimbledon trophy (BBC)