Karlovic more than a one-match wonder

Thursday June 26, 2003

By KRYSTYNA RUDZKI
Associated Press Writer

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) Ivo Karlovic is finally getting noticed for
something besides his 6-foot-10 frame.

The Croatian qualifier, who shocked top-seeded defending champion
Lleyton Hewitt in four sets in the first round of Wimbledon, is
through to the third round.

This time there was no giant-killing involved. Karlovic's opponent
Wednesday was Australian qualifier Paul Baccanello, ranked only one
place higher than him at 204.

Karlovic won 6-4, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-2, serving up 29 aces.

``If I serve good anything can happen so I can expect the best but I
don't know,'' said Karlovic, who played on outside Court 14 just a
short volley from Centre Court.

``Against Hewitt I played better because I had no pressure and I
could just play my game. Against Baccanello it was a lot of pressure
from everybody and especially me because I expected to win.''

Karlovic beat three qualifiers to enter the main draw. His opening
ace Wednesday was his 100th in the tournament so far.

Croatian countryman Goran Ivanisevic seems to have left some of his
magic on Wimbledon Centre Court since his win in 2001. Last year,
Croatian teenager Mario Ancic beat seventh-seeded Roger Federer in
the first round there.

Both Ancic and Karlovic cite Ivanisevic as their idol.

Karlovic has a tougher obstacle in the next round in his attempt to
prove he's not a one-match wonder. It's Max Mirnyi.

Ranked No. 35 in the world, Mirnyi also is the only player able to
stand up to Karlovic the Belorussian is 6-5. Wednesday, Mirnyi beat
another talented Croatian, Ivan Ljubicic, 6-3, 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.

Monday, Karlovic was staying in a cheap hotel room where he had to
use books balanced on a chair to extend his bed. Now he's upgraded to
a room that costs the same per night as he was paying per week.

Reaching the third round has earned him $27,959 and that could double
if he wins Friday, a marked change from his pre-Wimbledon tennis
career.

``It has been quite tough,'' Karlovic said. ``Sometimes if I didn't
earn enough prize money from one tournament, I couldn't travel to the
next. It has been a little hand-to-mouth.''

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What a very neat man. I am so very happy for this success for him.
What a great surge forward for him and his prize money won't be too
shabby, will it? I don't know the $$ for going out in the various
rounds.

I want Max to win so very much. But you know, if he has to lose to
anyone, I think I won't mind as badly if it is to Ivo. Just how I
feel.

Hugs,

pamela