The Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic from Croatia will not be adding the U.S. Open title to his honors. He's been beaten in the third round at Flushing Meadow in New York by the Spaniard, Albert Costa.
Goran Ivanisevic's career was in free-fall, going nowhere. Then out of the blue, as a wild-carded entrant, he won the Grand Slam, which meant most to him, and suddenly everyone wanted to see him. He enjoyed two fine victories, but has a poor record against Costa. He could not get into his usual rhythm, losing in straight sets. His serve was hardly a weapon in the tie-breaks.
In the past he's been almost suicidal when speaking after a defeat, but - while the jokes were absent - this time he acknowledged he is still having the best of years.
"I'm disappointed because I lost, but overall, after Wimbledon, my tennis is improving," he said. "I am improving. I am happier, playing good tennis. It's a great thing when you leave the court, you get standing ovation almost. It makes you happy. You leave a happy man New York."
He will now aim to be happy playing Davis Cup for Croatia against Italy, and hopes to fit in a game of soccer (football) with his team Hadjuk Split.