Mario Ancic

[helloticky]

what's next tournament of super Mario??

[davis]

Feb 18, 2008 0:14:36 GMT 3 helloticky said:

what's next tournament of super Mario??

Challenger in Besancon/France due to his bad ranking.

[davis]

This is a fairly long interview, but worth reading. I love the guy's attitude ;D

The agony of young Ancic

MARIO ANCIC (24), a Croatian tennis star who fell from 9th place to 135th place in the ATP rankings due to illness, will return to the courts in the upcoming tournament in Zagreb after a year off .

Ancic, who had mononucleosis, was afraid that he might never return to the sport, but recovered from the illness because of his hard work After entering the finals of the tennis tournament in Marseille ten days ago, Mario Ancic has finally stopped the turmoil he experienced in 2007. After he was diagnosed with mononucleosis in February 2007, which forced him to rest for six months, he injured his shoulder immediately following his return to the sport; after his recovery, he got a stomach virus. Prior to all these injuries, he was the ranked 9th best player in the world, and after one year of recovery, he has dropped to the 135th rank on the list. This player, who will celebrate his 24th birthday next month, is the last player who was able to beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon, and has also won the Davis Cup as a member of the Croatian National Team. He should currently be one of the best tennis players in the world, but due to his illness, he became a player whose return to the sport was uncertain.

We spoke with Ancic prior to the beginning of the tournament in Zagreb which will be held this week. Even though he looks happier than ever, he told us everything he will have to face in the coming year. It was almost as though he was looking for someone to complain to.

NACIONAL: Your medical problems began in the summer of 2006 when you were injured after falling off a jet ski, and they continued through 2007 with mononucleosis and the shoulder injury. Can you estimate which rank you would hold if you were not injured?
- I would not mix the injuries which occurred over the past year with those which occurred prior to that. When playing professional sports, injuries occur; I have always made a successful comeback, sometimes I even came back stronger. There were pauses because of the injuries, but they were not significant. In 2006, I ended up ranking 9th in the world even though that year, apart from the jet ski injury, I was plagued with medical problems. That year everything went as planned, I was one of the top ten which is the dream of every tennis player. I won two tournaments, I played in the quarter-finals of Roland Garros and Wimbledon and both times I lost to Federer. Rafael Nadal and I were the youngest members among the top ten players that year, I had excellent practice sessions at the beginning of 2007, and I knew that, if I continued in the same sense, I would definitely have been one of the five best tennis players in the world. The season began well, I just barely lost the third round of the Australian Open to Roddick after five sets, where I really saw the results of my hard work. I was very aggressive, which takes a lot of confidence after a series of victorious competitions and which takes a lot of work. I was ready for the next step. And then I got mononucleosis.

NACIONAL: How is it possible that the mononucleosis was not revealed prior to the Davis Cup game against Germany at the beginning of February 2007?
- The National Team gathered in Germany five days prior to the match and I was already sick at the time. However, it appeared to be the flu so I spent most of the week before the first match day resting and did not practice very much. Furthermore, in the first set I ½killed½ Tommy Haas with a score of 6:2 and, when I was still feeling strong, I felt great. At the beginning of the second set, I got up from my chair and felt weak. I was dizzy, I coughed up blood, and near the end of the match I was so dizzy that I missed the ball at one moment. Following the match, I did blood tests, but the German doctors claimed that it was a virus and that in the future, even if I would play, I would not have any problems. That is the reason why I competed in the doubles match the followed day which could have been the end of my career because, ten days later, the tests showed that my heart was beginning to fail. However, if I played the final Davis Cup match on Sunday, my career would have surely been over. I had already warmed up for the match, but I did not go onto the court because it was clear that we had lost to Germany and Marin Cilic competed instead of me. That is what saved me.

NACIONAL: What would have happened, based on doctor’s opinions, if you played that Davis Cup match?
- I most likely would have never held a racket again. I would have had heart problems for the rest of my life and I could not compete in professional sports, and maybe not even play tennis recreationally. I was on the edge; I did not sleep all week, and I was sweating and had throat problems.

NACIONAL: Were you angry with the German doctors who, at the time, gave you a false diagnosis?
- They could not have revealed my heart problems; later I received an explanation that my case is an example for Medicine School, to prove how possible it is that such a problem is not uncovered. After the Davis Cup match, I thought that I could continue to play and I went to the tournament in Marseille, where I got a fever the night before the match; I forfeited and returned to Croatia. Ten days later, Croatian doctors gave a proper diagnosis and told me that the German doctors could not have known about my problems. After complete tests, they discovered the problem and we began treatment. They uncovered the mononucleosis, which meant six to nine months of rest. My friend Sjeng Schalken, a tennis player from The Netherlands, was the 20th tennis player in the world when he came down with mononucleosis, which caused him to end his career. When I heard the diagnosis, I realized that there was no medication to speed up the recovery and that I had to rest. It is an ½annoying½ illness which requires you to remain in bed. I’ve read a lot about it, I spoke with many athletes who have recovered from it, but there is no advice which can help you. You can only rest and hope that the illness will pass as soon as possible. The heart problems disappeared quickly, which had emerged due to my poor overall health condition, and I only needed to rest. I don’t have any problems with my heart anymore.

NACIONAL: How did the news that you would not play tennis for at least six months affect you psychologically?
- It was a frustrating moment. I was in my strongest form, I though I had the world under my heel. I played well, won tournaments, we won the Davis Cup, and the only thing left for me was to win a Grand Slam tournament. I believed that I could beat Roger Federer. It was not easy for me when they told me that I would have to rest. However, I am a positive person, and I always believe that worse things could have happened to me. That is why I reacted to the illness in the same way I would react to a difficult tennis match. I got used to fighting against everything in sports so at the time, all I had to do was fight the illness. That is why I believed that I would return..

NACIONAL: What did your trainer, Fredrik Rosengren, say to you at that time?
- He was against me playing the Davis Cup in Germany. When I arrived in Germany, I spoke to Rosengren every day on the phone; he knew what the situation was and he told me not to compete in the Davis Cup. Our relationship is based on him giving advice to me but, in the end, I make the final decision. He always tells me that it is my career and that I have to make the decision. Because I competed in two Davis Cup matches, my immunity fell. If I had not played, I believe that I would not have got mononucleosis. The doctors told me that those two matches destroyed me. Rosengren was my support during the period of rest, and he was so fair that he told me that I did not have to pay him anything for 2007 because I barely played, but I told him that I would not accept this.

NACIONAL: What did the first training sessions resemble after you recovered from the mononucleosis?
- I had to break in the training because after two or three attempts, I got a fever and returned to bed. For the first several months, I remained in bed and left the house for five to ten minutes to get fresh air. Mononucleosis is a debilitating illness; I sometimes slept for 17 hours at a time. Sometimes I walked for 15 minutes and then I would sleep five hours because of it. My first training sessions were made up of 30 minute walks. I was happy as a child when they told me, five months after the illness was discovered, that I could run twice a week for twenty minutes. I was used to practicing twice a week. As time passed, I increased the exertion. I should have been more patient during the first several weeks because, after playing two tournaments in August 2007, I had to forfeit the third match because of a shoulder injury.

NACIONAL: You withdrew from the US Open tournament because of a shoulder injury.
- I cancelled the US Open tournament from Beijing, where I competed in the Davis Cup final against Great Britain in the previous year. That injury really affected me because, after enduring all problems caused by the mononucleosis, I could not play again because of the shoulder injury. I had just returned, practiced, beat Tommy Haas in a large tournament in Cincinnati, I was elated. But again I was positive, it could have been worse, I could have had a shoulder operation, but we solved the problem using a conservative method. Even today I do daily exercises to strengthen my shoulders because without it, my shoulder hurts.

NACIONAL: In the middle of October, you returned and got sick again.
- At that time, I was playing in the quarterfinal tournament in Stockholm and the quarterfinal tournament in Madrid and I completed the season. I began training earlier, which lasted for six weeks; I had never practiced for such a long time. I impatiently waited for the beginning of the season, I travelled to Adelaide and began to vomit on the court. I got a fever, forfeited my participation in the tournament in Adelaide, and travelled to Auckland hoping that I would be better. However, I vomited again and got a fever which was caused by a virus. I lost six kilograms and was completely exhausted; after spending 2.5 weeks in bed, I had to forfeit the Australian Open, the fourth Grand Slam which I cancelled in a row.

NACIONAL: One good thing about the mononucleosis in your case what that you were able to do your exams at the Faculty of Law.
- I like to read and I read many books during my recovery. I studied while I was on bed rest, so I only have to complete my graduate exam at the Faculty of Law.

NACIONAL: Is there a danger that sponsors could cancel their contracts with you, if you don’t play?
- People from the IMG Agency, Adidas, Yonex and Vip have been fully supportive. I have been cooperating with the IMG Agency since I was 14 and if there had not been the assistance from IMG, alongside money invested by my family, I would not be where I am today. Tennis is an expensive sport and it is easy to talk about today, but my family and I found ourselves in difficult situations at times. The people at IMG offered to pay for me to receive treatment in the United States, but I told them that I believe in Croatian doctors, which was an appropriate opinion. The owner of IMG, Teddy Forstmann, is great friends with Suad Rizvanbegovic. Prior to my mononucleosis, they informed me that I would be signing a significant sponsorship agreement with a large company. After the illness, the deal fell through. Also, upon entering the finals of the tournament in Marseille, I received a telephone call from the head of the tennis department at Adidas; we spoke for thirty minutes, and he knew all the details of my illness. I think that I have good relationships with all the people in tennis, and these relationships are not only professional, so all sponsors told me that there would be no cancellation of these agreements. Furthermore, they all gave me support, as others from the world of tennis who today offer me “wild card” invitations to tournaments.

NACIONAL: How did your coach, Rosengren, experience your return?
- Rosengren is a real fighter, he is dangerous and a really hard worker. We started working together because he is a Swede, and he is just as persistent and hard working as I am. I am a Dalmatian and am temperamental, as is he, which opposes the conception that Scandinavians are cold. When I play, he experiences every point I win. He is extremely emotional, he cried after I beat Tsong in the first round of the tournament in Marseille. It wasn’t all the same to me either especially since my illness was revealed at last year’s tournament in Marseille, so I hope that everything will end with this year’s tournament.

NACIONAL: Andy Murray beat you in the finals in Marseille and congratulated you for such an unbelievable recovery. Is there solidarity between tennis players in such a cruel world?
- It is unbelievable how positive and happy other tennis players were about my return. Murray told me that my return was amazing; when he addressed the crowd, he said that I have the most medical problems among all professional tennis players. I received many messages and this was proof that solidarity does exist. Some tennis players told me that "I am glad you are back, but I am not pleased that you beat me so many times". That was just a joke on their part.

NACIONAL: You arrived in Marseille as the 135th best player in the world; why, when you discovered that you had mononucleosis, didn’t you request a protected placement which would allow you to have the same status as you did prior to the illness upon your recovery?
- Everyone asks that. When I was ill, I had to wait two to three weeks to receive a protected placement. When I got sick I was ranked 9th, after three weeks I was ranked 30th and I didn’t know that after mononucleosis I would have problems with my shoulder and the virus. If I would have known that I would miss the entire season due to injury, I would have requested a protected placement. Who could have known that new injuries would appear after the mononucleosis. I also had problems with my thyroid gland because of the stress surrounding these events. I do not want to talk about that because it would look like I am a travelling hospital.

NACIONAL: After playing the finals in Marseille, the Croatian public will want you to win the tournament in Zagreb. Does that create pressure for you?
- Not at all. After one year, I am enjoying the fact that I am here and am happy that I have an opportunity to play. In the first round in Marseille, I played in the central court and in the second round, I played on court #1. They asked me if it would be a problem for me if I would not play on the central court, and I said: "Bring me four balls and a judge and put me wherever you want. It’s only important that I play."

NACIONAL: Your coach, Rosengren, said in 2007 that he believed in your return because you are unbelievable hard working. Where did you get such work ethic?
- Many other coaches, alongside Rosengren, have said this. We are raised this way in my family, we only see talent as a possibility to work. That is the only road to success in tennis. There are a great number of tennis players who play beautifully and when you watch them you wonder why they are not among the top ten in the world. You have to work, and because tennis is like chess, your mind must also work. A combination of both places you among the top ten tennis players in the world, and I would have never reached the top ten if, alongside my talent, I didn’t work hard.

[davis]

Mario continues his "rise from the dead" and beat Fernando Gonzalez in a great match 75 36 63. I see the Top 10 looming in the background... ;D Why oh why can't Marat make such a strong comeback (well, just nostalgic thoughts ).

Congrats Bambi, keep going strong!

[jenhatter06]

Miami pictures from the match with Andy Murray:

[davis]

Awwww, photos of Bambi! ;D Thanks, Jen!

Mario has had such a great run this year. After being injured for ever he was ranked 135 before his first tournament in Marseille - three tournaments later, he entered Miami as No. 62 and he will have reached the Top 50 again after this week's 4th round. A climb of 80+ ranking spots in 5 weeks - hats off!!! Amazing achievement!
His ranking won't be good enough for a direct entry to my home tournament but I hope he'll make it to Hamburg one way or another - at the least he's not afraid to play Qualis...

[tinuviel]

Davis said
"Mario continues his "rise from the dead" and beat Fernando Gonzalez in a great match 75 36 63. I see the Top 10 looming in the background... Why oh why can't Marat make such a strong comeback (well, just nostalgic thoughts )."

When Marat was 24 (in 2004) he made a remarkable comeback from injury and we all know what he went on to do in Australian Open in Jan 2005. Maybe injuries are just that much harder to come back from when you're even just a few years older. At least we all know he's still trying

[tinuviel]

Sorry - I realise that in print it may have looked as though I was moaning about Davis. I wasn't. And I do admire how well Ancic has done recently. So thought I'd post this apology really quickly.

[davis]

LOL tinuviel, what an apology! ;D ;D

I didn't feel "moaned about", and I'm sure Bambi didn't take offense either , no worries.
Yes, Marat has had a long history with injuries and many remarkable comebacks, but all that indeed happened in the past (and won't be repeated in my opinion) - hence my "nostalgic thoughts". And yes, it honors him that he still tries.

[tinuviel]

Oh good.
Nice that we're all friends

[Mrs. Fabregas]

Ancic Earns Law Degree from University of Split

Mario Ancic has enjoyed an outstanding tennis career by finishing in the Top 10, helping his country to the Davis Cup title, reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon and winning three career ATP titles.

But the 24-year-old Croat's proudest moment off-court came Monday in his hometown of Split where he officially became a graduate of the Law School of the University of Split.

On Sunday, after leading his country to a 3-2 Davis Cup victory over Italy by winning the fifth and decisive rubber, Ancic drove four hours back home to get ready for his "huge day" on Monday.

In front of a crowd of 300 people, that included students and professors in the Law program, members of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Administer of Sport, family and friends, Ancic gave his 45-minute thesis on "ATP Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," describing the legal foundation and organization of the ATP Tour. Afterwards, Ancic took questions from professors and students.

"When I was going to high school with childhood friends I was always good in school and I wanted to see if I could do it," said Ancic, who began the law program at the end of 2002. "It was a lot of work and I always wanted to play tennis but this is why I decided to continue and it was a huge day for me yesterday."

"Obviously it's not easy to compare (to tennis) but these will be memories I will cherish for the rest of my life."

When Ancic was sidelined last year for nearly six months due to illness and injury, he became an everyday student and said, "It wasn't good for my tennis not playing but I had something to focus on while I was out. This was good and I used my time well. I was spending a lot of time there and it was normal life for a 23-year-old not playing tennis."

Ancic says education has always been stressed in his family. Older brother, Ivica, who played pro tennis briefly, earned a degree in economics, and younger sister, Sanja, who was a Top 10 junior in the world, is studying pharmacy in Zagreb.

"It shows the part of our family, the sport is big for us, but we always try to do both," said Ancic. "It is so important and last year I had a lot of problems, and one day, it shows you what will you do when you're not going to be playing tennis? You never know what could happen the next day. It's something that's going to stay with me for my lifetime."

Ancic wrote his 68-page thesis in Croatian and he plans to get it translated in English and wants to give it to whoever is interested in reading it. "I want to thank Etienne (de Villiers) for helping with this and everybody with the ATP for their time."

When asked what he will do with his Law degree, Ancic said, "It's something that can open many doors after my tennis career and I hope to play eight to 10 more years. I would like to put together the sport and law that I like much and hopefully help the interests of the players."

The university's graduation ceremony is next month at a date to be announced, and Ancic said if he is in the middle of a tournament, he knows the one place he will be. "Wherever I am, that one day I will be there for sure in my cap and gown."

[Dina]

Too cute!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so impressed Bambi boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MOuah!!!!!!!! I've always thought the guy had smthg to say! this is now the 3rd guy I know went to college amongst tennis players!

[jenhatter06]

Yay, Go Mario!! Smart cookie he is

[davis]

He's not just smart, his tennis is getting better and better as well. After giving Misha Zverev a 60 61 beating yesterday, Mario beat Andy Murray 64 64 in the 2nd round in Barcelona today. ;D Ah, he makes my day...

[dawaymarat]

I suspect Mario will be the biggest title aspirant for winning Wimbledon...next to Federer of course!