Croatia is a small country with a big tennis presence. The country has produced some of the best tennis players in the world. Names like Goran Ivanisevic, Ivo Karlovic, and Marin Cilic have become household names in the tennis world.
Croatia has consistently produced top-ranked players in both the men’s and women’s games, and the country’s rich tennis history has enabled them to become one of the most successful nations in the sport.
This article will take a closer look at some of the best tennis players to come from Croatia.
1. Marin Čilić
Marin Čilić is an accomplished professional tennis player from Croatia. He has achieved incredible success in his career, winning 20 ATP Tour singles titles.
His greatest achievement to date is his victory at the 2014 US Open, where he became the first Croatian player to win a grand slam singles title. Throughout his career, Čilić has been a consistent presence in the top rankings, with a career-high ranking of No. 3 in the world.
In addition to his singles titles, Čilić has also reached the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Australian Open. He has also won three ATP Tour doubles titles in his career.
Outside of his on-court accomplishments, Čilić is an active philanthropist. He is the founder of the Marin Čilić Foundation, a charity organization that works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Croatia.
He is also an ambassador for the International Tennis Federation’s “Tennis for Peace” program, which uses the game of tennis to foster peace and understanding between different cultures.
Marin Čilić is an exemplary athlete who has achieved incredible success both on and off the court. His contributions to the world of tennis and his charity work make him a true inspiration.
2. Goran Ivanišević
Goran Ivanišević is an incredible figure in the world of tennis. He is a Croatian former professional tennis player and current coach and is the only player to have ever won a Wimbledon men’s singles title as a wild card.
This incredible feat was accomplished in 2001 when Ivanišević was ranked world No. 125. It was a remarkable achievement, considering that he had already been a runner-up at Wimbledon on three separate occasions in 1992, 1994, and 1998.
Ivanišević’s career was characterized by his immense determination and hard work, and his 2001 Wimbledon victory was a testament to his talent and dedication. It was an inspiring story for many tennis players, showing that even against all odds, success can be achieved.
Furthermore, Ivanišević’s career has continued to thrive, as he is currently a coach, passing on his knowledge and wisdom to the world’s next generation of tennis stars.
Goran Ivanišević is an undeniable legend in the tennis world, and his Wimbledon victory in 2001 will forever remain as an iconic moment in sports history.
3. Mario Ančić
Mario Ančić is a former professional tennis player from Croatia. He had a successful career, winning three singles titles and five doubles titles. His highest singles ranking was achieved in 2006 when he reached the world number 7 on the ATP Tour.
After retiring from tennis, Mario moved to New York City and is now a vice president of a private equity firm. He is well-respected in the tennis world, having achieved success at the highest level.
His success has also allowed him to transition into a successful business career. He is a great example of someone who has been able to use their talents and hard work to succeed in two different industries.
4. Iva Majoli
Iva Majoli is a former professional tennis player from Croatia, who achieved great success during her career. She represented both Yugoslavia and Croatia during her career and won three WTA Tier I singles tournaments.
In 1997, she pulled off one of the greatest upsets in tennis history when she defeated Martina Hingis to win the women’s singles title at the French Open. This victory helped her reach a career-high singles ranking of world No. 4 in February 1996.
Majoli was one of the most successful tennis players from Croatia and her accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.
5. Mirjana Lučić-Baroni
Mirjana Lučić-Baroni is an iconic figure in professional tennis. She is a Croatian former professional tennis player and Grand Slam double winner. Lučić-Baroni rose to fame in the late 1990s, becoming one of the most successful players on the WTA Tour.
During her time as a professional tennis player, she set several “youngest-ever” records by achieving certain milestones earlier than any other player before her. Her meteoric rise to fame on the tour made her one of the most well-known and respected players in the sport.
Lučić-Baroni was born in Split, Croatia, and started playing tennis at a very young age. She quickly developed a strong passion for the sport and began competing in professional tournaments at the age of 14.
At the age of 15, she became the youngest player ever to qualify for a Grand Slam tournament and the youngest to reach the third round of the Australian Open. She also holds the record for the youngest-ever player to reach the top 100 in the WTA rankings.
In addition to her impressive records, Lučić-Baroni also achieved great success on the court. She won two Grand Slam doubles titles, at the French Open in 1998 and the US Open in 1999. She also won six WTA singles titles and reached a career-high ranking of No. 12 in the world.
She also reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open in 2001 and the semifinals of the French Open in 2006. Overall, Mirjana Lučić-Baroni is one of the most successful and respected players in professional tennis.
She set several records at a young age and achieved great success on the court. Her accomplishments and influence will be remembered for many years to come.
6. Ivo Karlović
Ivo Karlović is a well-known former professional tennis player from Croatia. At an impressive height of 211 cm, he is the joint tallest ranked tennis player in the history of tennis, sharing this record with Reilly Opelka.
Throughout his career, Karlović achieved many successes, winning a total of eight ATP tour singles titles from 2007 to 2016. His impressive record of success has helped to cement his place in tennis history.
Karlović’s success on the court has been attributed to his unique serve, which is known for its power and accuracy. His ability to consistently fire off powerful aces has earned him the nickname “Dr. Ivo”, and has enabled him to win many matches over the years.
He has also been praised by many for his humility and his dedication to improving his game. Karlović’s impressive career has not gone unnoticed.
He has been recognized by various sporting organizations, including the ATP World Tour, which awarded him the ATP World Tour Award for Most Aces in a Season in 2008 and 2011.
He has also been a part of the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020, an honour that recognizes the best players and administrators in the sport. Ivo Karlović’s legacy in tennis will remain long after he retires.
He has achieved an impressive record of success, both on and off the court, and his towering presence on the court will be remembered for years to come.
7. Mate Pavić
Mate Pavić is a highly successful Croatian professional tennis player. He is a former world No. 1 in doubles and has won six Grand Slam titles in his career.
Pavić has won three titles in men’s doubles, which are the 2018 Australian Open with Oliver Marach, the 2020 US Open with Bruno Soares, and the 2021 Wimbledon Championships with Nikola Mektić.
His career has been impressive and he is seen as one of the best doubles players in the world. Pavić has been consistently successful, with all of his Grand Slam titles coming in the last three years.
He is the first Croatian tennis player to reach the top of the doubles rankings and has achieved great success in his career. Pavić has also been successful in singles, having reached the quarterfinals of the 2019 Australian Open.
He has also competed in mixed doubles, winning the 2019 French Open with Latisha Chan. He is a highly versatile player and his success is a testament to his skill and dedication. Mate Pavić is a remarkable tennis player and a great inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
His achievements are remarkable and he is an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. He is a true champion and his success will serve as an example for many years to come.
8. Petra Martić
Petra Martić is a highly accomplished professional tennis player from Croatia. She achieved her highest singles ranking of world No. 14 in January 2020. She has won two singles titles on the WTA Tour, the highest level of professional tennis for women.
Additionally, she has also won one singles and one doubles tournament on the WTA Challenger Tour, the second-highest level of professional tennis. Her successes have extended to the ITF Circuit as well, where she has won four singles and five doubles titles.
This impressive collection of wins and titles is a testament to her skill and tenacity in the sport of tennis.
9. Nikola Mektić
Nikola Mektić is a professional tennis player from Croatia who has achieved great success in the sport. He is a former World No. 1 in doubles and has won two Grand Slam titles.
In 2021, Mektić and his compatriot Mate Pavić won the Wimbledon Championships in the men’s doubles category, cementing their place among the world’s elite doubles players.
Additionally, in 2020, Mektić and Barbora Krejčíková won the Australian Open in the mixed doubles category. Mektić’s achievements have been remarkable, and his success has come through a combination of hard work and dedication.
He has consistently demonstrated a high level of skill and determination, and his ability to team up with other players to form successful doubles partnerships has been an integral part of his success.
Mektić is one of the most respected players in the world and is widely considered to be one of the best doubles players of his generation. His accomplishments have been an inspiration to aspiring tennis players, and he is a great ambassador for the sport of tennis.
10. Goran Prpić
Goran Prpić is an accomplished tennis coach and former professional tennis player. He was born in Croatia and became a professional tennis player during the time of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
He was successful in his tennis career, representing both SFR Yugoslavia and Croatia as a player. During his tennis career, Prpić won 10 Challenger titles and reached a career-high of world number 40 in singles.
After his playing career, Prpić went into coaching and is best known for his work with Marin Čilić, helping him to win the 2014 US Open.
Since then he has been the head coach of the Croatian Davis Cup team and is currently coaching Borna Ćorić, who has reached the world number 10 ranking. Prpić’s success as a player and coach has made him one of the most respected and successful tennis figures in Croatia.
11. Nikola Pilić
Nikola “Niki” Pilić was a former professional tennis player from Croatia who competed while Yugoslavia was still a Socialist Federal Republic. He was part of the Handsome Eight, an elite group of tennis players.
Pilić was highly regarded in the tennis world, as evidenced by his ranking of No. 6 in the world as of January 1968, and No. 7 in the world for 1967 according to British sports journalist Lance Tingay of The Daily Telegraph.
He was a highly talented player who was able to rise to the top of a competitive sport. Pilić was known for his speed and agility on the court, which enabled him to dominate in singles and doubles matches.
He was a strong serve-and-volley player who was able to use his power and technique to outmaneuver his opponents. He was also noted for his mental strength and ability to stay focused in high-pressure situations.
He was an all-around player who had a mastery of all the strokes and was able to use them to his advantage. Pilić’s career spanned over a decade, during which time he was able to achieve success on both the national and international levels.
He won the Yugoslavian Davis Cup in 1968 and reached the semifinal of the French Open in 1967. He also competed in the Wimbledon tournament on nine occasions, reaching the quarterfinals three times.
Pilić was an important part of the Yugoslavian tennis team and was able to help them win the Davis Cup in 1969 and 1971. Overall, Nikola “Niki” Pilić was a highly successful tennis player who was able to rise to the top of the sport.
He was part of the elite Handsome Eight and was ranked No. 6 in the world in 1968 and No. 7 in 1967. He was an all-around player who had a mastery of all the strokes, and he was able to use his power and technique to outmaneuver his opponents.
He was also a strong mental player who was able to stay focused in high-pressure situations. Pilić was able to achieve success on both the national and international levels, and he helped the Yugoslavian Davis Cup team win in 1969 and 1971.
12. Jelena Dokic
Jelena Dokic is an accomplished professional in the world of tennis. She has had a successful career as both a player and a commentator. As a player, she achieved her highest ranking of fourth in the world in August 2002.
During her career she won WTA Tour events on all surfaces, demonstrating her versatility and expertise in the sport. Dokic is now a respected studio analyst and commentator. She provides insight and analysis for the Australian tennis scene, offering her expertise to viewers.
Her experience and knowledge of the game make her a valuable asset to her employers and a great resource for viewers. Dokic has had a long and distinguished career in tennis.
She is a prime example of a successful professional in the sports world, proving that hard work and dedication are key to success. Her accomplishments are an inspiration to aspiring tennis players and analysts alike.
13. Željko Franulović
Željko Franulović is a renowned former tennis player from Croatia. During his playing career, he represented SFR Yugoslavia in international tournaments. After his retirement from the sport, Franulović pursued a career in tennis management and achieved great success.
Since 2005, he has served as the director of the prestigious Monte-Carlo Masters tournament.
This has allowed him to remain involved with the sport that he loves, while also providing a platform to help promote tennis in the region. Franulović’s time as the tournament director has been marked by a number of successes.
He has overseen a number of changes that have improved the tournament, both in terms of the quality of the players that participate and the overall atmosphere of the event. He has also worked to increase the tournament’s visibility and reach, both locally and internationally.
This has helped to make the Monte-Carlo Masters one of the most renowned events on the ATP Tour. Franulović’s commitment to the sport of tennis and his dedication to the Monte-Carlo Masters tournament have been instrumental in helping to elevate the level of the game.
He has been a driving force behind the development of the sport in Croatia and the surrounding region. His passion for tennis has enabled him to create a tournament that is both competitive and entertaining for the players and spectators alike.
14. Sabrina Goleš
Sabrina Goleš is a former Yugoslav tennis player who made a name for herself in the sport during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in November 1968, she began playing tennis at the age of 5 and quickly developed a passion for the game.
Goleš made her professional debut at the age of 16, and by the end of the 1985 season, she had captured her first WTA Tour title. During her career, she won a total of 9 WTA Tour singles titles and reached the quarterfinals of the 1990 French Open.
She also represented Yugoslavia in several international team competitions, helping her country to a gold medal at the 1987 Mediterranean Games in Syria. Goleš retired from professional tennis in 1993, but she maintained her connection to the sport by serving as a coach for various tennis players, including 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova.
She has also become involved in charity work, helping to raise money for various organizations in her home country of Serbia. Her legacy in tennis is one of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding determination to succeed against all odds.
15. Ivan Dodig
Ivan Dodig is a Croatian professional tennis player who has established himself as one of the premier doubles players in the world. He has an impressive seven Grand Slam titles to his name, with three of them coming in the last three years.
In 2015, he and his partner Marcelo Melo were victorious in the French Open men’s doubles. Two years later, he and Filip Polášek lifted the trophy at the 2021 Australian Open. Most recently, Dodig and Austin Krajicek won the 2023 French Open.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dodig has been widely praised for his court awareness and tactical nous. He has the ability to read the match and his opponents to gain an advantage.
His mastery of the net and his formidable serve have made him one of the most successful doubles players in the game. His seven Grand Slam titles are a testament to his skill and longevity in the sport.
Ivan Dodig is a true champion and an inspiration to tennis players around the world. He has demonstrated that with hard work, dedication and a will to succeed, anything is possible. His achievements will forever be remembered and respected by the tennis community.
16. Ana Konjuh
Ana Konjuh is a Croatian tennis player who has experienced a great deal of success in the junior circuit. In January 2013, she won both the singles and doubles junior events at the Australian Open, which propelled her to the top of the ITF Junior world rankings.
Her talent was further demonstrated later in the year when she won the girls’ singles event at the 2013 US Open. Konjuh’s impressive performance in these tournaments has shown that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of tennis.
Her success has established her as one of the top players in the junior circuit and has put her in a great position to take the next step in her professional tennis career.
17. Ajla Tomljanović
Ajla Tomljanović is an accomplished Australian professional tennis player. She has achieved impressive successes since the start of her career. On the ITF Circuit, she has won four singles titles and three doubles titles.
On April 3, 2023, Tomljanović achieved her highest singles ranking, ranking as the world’s No. 32 player. She also holds the record for her highest doubles ranking, which occurred on January 5, 2015, when she was ranked No. 47.
These impressive accomplishments have cemented Tomljanović’s place in the tennis world and will make her a formidable player for years to come.
18. Bruno Orešar
Bruno Orešar is a remarkable individual, having achieved success in both the professional tennis world and within the business world. He was born in Croatia and went on to represent Yugoslavia in international tennis tournaments throughout his career.
As a professional tennis player, Orešar was a two-time winner of the Grand Prix tournament and was ranked among the top 100 players in the world in both singles and doubles play.
Following his retirement from professional tennis, Orešar focused his attention on the business world and has since achieved success as a Croatian businessman.
He has been involved in various projects and investments and is currently the president of the Croatian Tennis Federation. Orešar has had an impressive career in both the tennis and business worlds and continues to serve as an inspirational figure in Croatia.
19. Roko Karanušić
Roko Karanušić is a retired professional tennis player from Croatia. He began his professional career in 2000 and achieved his highest career ranking of World No. 88 in February 2009.
During his career, he competed in many tournaments around the world and became one of the most successful Croatian tennis players of his time. Karanušić had a successful career, winning several singles and doubles titles in the Futures and Challenger circuits.
He won his first singles title in 2004 in the Croatian Pro Tour, then went on to win singles titles in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He had more success in doubles, winning several titles in Croatia, Spain, and Mexico.
Karanušić also represented Croatia in the Davis Cup, playing a total of seven matches. He had a successful run in the competition, winning five of his seven matches and helping his country reach the quarterfinals.
Karanušić retired from professional tennis in 2015 after a 15-year career. He left the sport as one of the most successful Croatian tennis players of his time, having reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 88.
20. Ante Pavić
Ante Pavić is a former professional tennis player from Croatia. He had a successful career, achieving a singles ranking of No. 132, which was his highest ranking, on October 13, 2014.
Pavić is also remembered for his performance in the 2014 French Open, where he managed to qualify for the main draw after saving a match point in the final round of qualifying against Thanasi Kokkinakis.
This was a remarkable feat, as he managed to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit to make it into the main draw. Pavić has since retired from professional tennis, but his performances in the 2014 French Open remain a testament to his skill and determination.
21. Lovro Zovko
Lovro Zovko, born in Croatia, was a former professional tennis player. He began playing tennis at a young age and developed a talent for the sport. As a young adult, he realized that he could make a career out of it, and decided to turn pro.
For several years, he was a prominent figure on the professional tennis circuit, competing in a number of tournaments and challenging some of the top players in the world. Away from the court, Lovro was a passionate advocate for his home country of Croatia.
He actively supported charities and worked to promote the country’s culture and heritage. He also used his success as a tennis player to bring attention to Croatia’s many achievements.
In addition to his tennis career, Lovro was also an accomplished musician, playing the guitar and singing. After several years on the professional circuit, Lovro decided to retire from tennis. He now focuses on his music career and enjoys spending time with his family.
He is still a beloved figure in Croatia and is an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
22. Mate Delić
Mate Delić is a well-known Croatian tennis player and coach. He has achieved a great deal of success throughout his career, having played on both the ITF Futures Tour and the ATP Challenger Tour.
Delić has reached a remarkable career-high singles ranking of world number 150, which he achieved on 5 January 2015.
This impressive feat was followed by his career-high doubles ranking of world number 348, which he achieved on 18 October 2013. Delić is an incredibly talented tennis player and coach, having achieved great success throughout his career.
He has managed to become a top player on both the ITF Futures Tour and the ATP Challenger Tour, proving his ability in the sport.
His career-high singles ranking of 150 is a testament to his determination and hard work, and his career-high doubles ranking of 348 further demonstrates his skill. Delić is a fantastic player and coach and is sure to achieve even greater success in the future.
23. Karolina Šprem
Karolina Šprem Baghdatis is a former professional tennis player from Croatia who had a successful career. She won eleven titles, all at the ITF (International Tennis Federation) level.
She was a consistent competitor in the singles and doubles draws of the biggest events on the ITF Women’s Professional Tour. Her highest ranking was world No. 17, attained in October 2004.
This was a significant achievement for Karolina and one that highlighted her ability as a player. Karolina’s success was not limited to her singles career, however. She also enjoyed success in doubles, having reached the quarterfinals of the French Open in 2004.
She was also a regular face in the draw at the Wimbledon event, having reached the third round in 2003.
Her consistent performances in both singles and doubles at the biggest tournaments on the ITF Women’s Professional Tour solidified her place as one of the top Croatian professional tennis players of her generation. Karolina’s retirement from the game in 2012 marked the end of an illustrious career.
She will be remembered as a player who embodied grace and skill on the court, and her consistent performances and impressive ranking of world No. 17 will remain as evidence of her talent.
24. Zoran Primorac
Zoran Primorac is a legendary table tennis player from Croatia who has achieved tremendous success in his career. He is a two-time winner of the World Cup and is one of only three players to have competed in seven Olympic Games.
This is a remarkable feat considering that the Olympics only take place every four years. Primorac’s highest ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) world ranking was number two in 1998, which is a very impressive accomplishment.
He was inducted into the ITTF Hall of Fame in 2017, a testament to his remarkable achievements as a table tennis player. Primorac has since retired from competitive play, though his legacy lives on in the table tennis world.
He is an inspiration to many aspiring players and has left an indelible mark on the sport.
25. Nino Serdarušić
Nino Serdarušić is an accomplished tennis player from Croatia. He has achieved great success in the sport, reaching a career-high singles ranking of World No. 167 on June 27th 2022.
This is an impressive feat for any tennis player and a great accomplishment for a player from Croatia. Nino has worked hard to get to this point in his career, and his success is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
He has proven himself to be a world-class tennis player and is a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
26. Donna Vekić
Donna Vekić is a remarkable professional tennis player and businesswoman from Croatia. She has achieved a great deal of success in her career, and in November 2019 she reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 19.
Vekić has won an impressive four singles titles on the WTA Tour, marking her as an extremely talented player. Her first singles title was won at the 2014 Malaysian Open, and she went on to win the 2017 Nottingham Open.
In 2021, she won the Courmayeur Ladies Open and then in 2023 the Monterrey Open. Vekić is highly regarded in the world of tennis and is an inspiration for many aspiring players. She is a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success.
27. Matija Pecotić
Matija Pecotić is an impressive tennis player who has achieved great success in both singles and doubles matches. He is a Croatian-Maltese player and has a career-high ATP singles ranking of 206, achieved on 23 November 2015.
His impressive doubles ranking is even higher, at 485, which he achieved on 16 November 2015. His accomplishments are even more impressive when one considers that he has won 12 ITF titles throughout his career. Of these, 10 were singles titles and 2 were doubles titles.
This is a remarkable feat for any tennis player, and it is clear that Pecotić has what it takes to excel in the sport.
28. Dino Prižmić
Dino Prižmić is a professional Croatian tennis player who has achieved great success in his career. Prižmić has achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 175 which he achieved on 14 August 2023. This is a great accomplishment for the Croatian tennis player.
In addition to his success in singles, Prižmić has also achieved a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No. 1444 which was achieved on 16 January 2023. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Prižmić has put into his training and preparation.
With his current rankings, Prižmić has established himself as one of the top tennis players from Croatia and is sure to continue to enjoy success in the future.
29. Duje Ajduković
Duje Ajduković is a Croatian tennis player who has achieved a great deal of success in the tennis world. His highest ATP singles ranking was World No. 213 which he achieved on August 14, 2023. He also has a career-high ATP doubles ranking of No.
491 which he achieved on November 8, 2021. In addition to his impressive ATP rankings, Ajduković has also won one ATP Challenger singles title and nine ITF titles, seven singles and two doubles.
This is a great achievement for any tennis player, especially considering the competitive nature of the sport. Ajduković has also been successful in the doubles game, where he has achieved a career-high ranking of No. 491.
This shows that he is just as capable of performing at a high level in doubles as he is in singles. Overall, Duje Ajduković has had a very successful career in tennis.
His impressive rankings in both singles and doubles highlight the skill and dedication he has put into the sport. He is an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
30. Mili Poljičak
Mili Poljičak is a professional tennis player from Croatia. He has had considerable success since beginning his career and is currently ranked as one of the top players in the world. As of April 2023, Poljičak had achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 462.
This is an impressive result, considering he has only been playing professionally for a few years. In addition to his singles success, Poljičak has also managed to achieve an impressive career high ATP doubles ranking of World No. 269.
This was achieved in October 2022, making it clear that his success is not limited to singles play. He has demonstrated an ability to excel in both formats of the sport and is certainly a player to watch in the future.
Overall, Mili Poljičak is an impressive young tennis player with a bright future ahead of him. He has already achieved a great deal of success in his short career, and it is likely that he will continue to build on that as he develops his game further.
With the level of talent and dedication he has already shown, there is no doubt that Poljičak will be one of the top players in the world in the years to come.
31. Luka Mikrut
Luka Mikrut is a professional Croatian tennis player who has had an impressive career thus far. On 21 August 2023, he achieved a career-high ATP singles ranking of 547 and a career-high ATP doubles ranking of 487.
Mikrut is an exceptionally talented player and is clearly making strides in the tennis world. His skill has been recognized by the ATP rankings and he has been able to move up the ladder.
This is quite an impressive feat and it shows just how dedicated he is to becoming a better player. He is an inspiration to other tennis players and his success is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.
32. Admir Kalender
Admir Kalender is a professional Croatian tennis player who is currently ranked 1500 in singles and 1137 in doubles. This marks his career-high ranking in both categories, achieved on June 14th, 2021.
He has been actively competing on the ATP tour since 2021, and his rise to the top of the rankings is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. Kalender has a unique playing style, characterized by his powerful groundstrokes and aggressive approach to the net.
His all-court game gives him the ability to take advantage of any situation on the court. He also boasts a strong serve, which serves as a great weapon in defending his court position. Kalender is a fierce competitor and strives for perfection in every match.
He is constantly looking for ways to improve his game and is always working to become a better player. His ambition and drive to succeed have taken him to the highest levels of the sport. Admir Kalender is an up-and-coming star in the world of tennis.
With his impressive career-high rankings in both singles and doubles, he is sure to make a name for himself in the sport in the years to come.
33. Ivica Ančić
Ivica Ančić is a former professional tennis player from Croatia who achieved impressive results in his career. He was born in Split, Croatia and started playing tennis at a young age.
He was part of the golden generation of Croatian tennis players, alongside the likes of Goran Ivanišević and Ivan Ljubicic.
Ančić was not the only member of his family to compete at a professional level, as his younger siblings, Mario and Sanja, also went on to pursue careers in tennis.
Mario Ančić was considered to be one of the most promising players in the world during the early 2000s and represented Croatia in the Davis Cup. His sister Sanja was also a successful player and won several ITF titles during her career.
The Ančić family has had a long and successful history in the sport of tennis. Ivica, Mario and Sanja all competed at a professional level and achieved impressive results in their respective careers.
They have served as an inspiration to many young tennis players in Croatia, showing that hard work and dedication can pay off in the end.
34. Jana Fett
Jana Fett is a professional Croatian tennis player who has achieved great success in her career. On 30 October 2017, she achieved her highest singles ranking of world No. 97, which is an impressive feat. On 21 May 2018, she even reached her highest doubles ranking of No.
348, which is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. Fett has been successful in singles and doubles competitions, having won six singles and five doubles titles on the ITF Women’s Circuit.
Her success is a testament to her skill and determination to become one of the best tennis players in the world.
35. Tena Lukas
Tena Lukas is a professional Croatian tennis player. She has had great success in her career, having won one WTA Challenger Tour doubles title and ten ITF Circuit singles titles. In addition, she has also bagged five ITF Circuit doubles titles.
On 12 September 2022, she reached her highest singles ranking of world No. 200. Her doubles ranking also peaked on 18 July 2022, reaching No. 257 in the WTA rankings. Tena Lukas is a great example of the rising excellence in Croatian tennis.
Her impressive achievements on both the WTA Challenger Tour and the ITF Circuit demonstrate her commitment to the sport and her dedication to improving her skills.
Her success has helped put Croatia on the map in the world of tennis, and she is sure to be an inspiration to future generations of Croatian tennis players.
36. Marin Draganja
Marin Draganja is a professional tennis player from Croatia who competes mainly in doubles on the ATP World Tour. He achieved his highest ATP singles ranking on April 29, 2013 when he was ranked at No. 550.
His highest ATP doubles ranking was achieved on April 6, 2015 when he was ranked at No. 20. This is a remarkable achievement, as it puts Draganja among the top doubles players in the world.
Draganja has undoubtedly worked hard to reach this level and is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players.
37. Goran Orešić
Goran Orešić is a former professional tennis player who achieved success on the international stage. He was born in Croatia and began playing tennis at a young age.
Orešić established himself as one of the most talented players in the country and eventually became one of the top-ranked players in the world. He won several tournaments during his career, including a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
He also reached the semi-finals at the French Open and the quarterfinals at the Australian Open. Orešić was known for his strong serve and his ability to stay focused during difficult matches.
He retired from professional tennis in 2001 and has since been an active member of the Croatian Tennis Federation. Orešić is remembered as one of the most successful Croatian players in history and remains an inspiration to aspiring tennis players.
38. Igor Šarić
Igor Šarić is a former professional tennis player from Croatia who enjoyed a successful career. He began playing tennis at the age of nine and went on to become one of the best players in Croatia.
Šarić competed in both Davis Cup and ATP tournaments, reaching a career-high ranking of number 44 in the world in singles in 2011. He won three singles titles on the ATP Tour, as well as one doubles title.
Šarić’s best performance on the Grand Slam stage was reaching the fourth round of the 2011 French Open. He also made it to the fourth round of the 2011 US Open and the third round of the 2012 Australian Open.
In addition to his success on the ATP Tour, Šarić also represented Croatia in the Davis Cup, where he won five matches for his country. He retired from professional tennis in 2015, and since then has been involved in coaching and commentating roles.
39. Petra Marčinko
Petra Marčinko is a professional Croatian tennis player who has achieved great success in her career. She has achieved career-high rankings of 161 in singles and 726 in doubles on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) circuit.
On 6 March 2023, she achieved her best singles ranking, and on 20 March 2023, she achieved her best doubles ranking. Marčinko has also achieved success on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Women’s Circuit.
She has won five singles titles and two doubles titles on the circuit.
She has also had success at the ITF Women’s Circuit, where she has won five singles titles and two doubles titles. Marčinko has achieved a great deal of success on the court, and she is continuing to make a name for herself in the world of tennis.
She is a highly respected player and has proven her talent and dedication to the sport. Her hard work and dedication have allowed her to achieve success in her career, and she is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players around the world.
40. Željko Krajan
Željko Krajan is a Croatian tennis coach and former professional player who has accomplished a great deal in his career. Krajan was born in Zagreb, Croatia in 1969. He began playing tennis as a child and soon became one of the top players in the country.
He won several regional titles and was a member of the Croatian Davis Cup team. In 1996, he reached his highest ranking of World No. 99. After his playing career, Krajan moved into coaching, where he has been highly successful.
He has coached several top players, including Marin Cilic, Borna Coric, and Viktor Troicki. He has also been the Croatian Davis Cup captain since 2007, leading the team to the finals in 2009 and 2018. Under his guidance, Croatia won their first Davis Cup title in 2018.
Krajan is renowned for his attention to detail and his ability to motivate players to reach their full potential. He is a highly respected figure in Croatian tennis and is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the world.
41. Antonia Ružić
Antonia Ružić is an accomplished Croatian tennis player who is currently competing in the professional circuit. She began playing tennis at a young age and since then has gone on to become one of the most recognizable names in Croatian tennis.
Ružić currently represents Croatia in the Fed Cup, which is the premier team competition in women’s tennis. She has been a member of the Croatian Fed Cup team for several years and has helped to bring the team to the brink of success on multiple occasions.
Throughout her career, Ružić has achieved several victories on both the singles and doubles circuits and has earned a number of awards and accolades for her performances.
Ružić’s commitment to the game of tennis and her dedication to her country has made her a role model for aspiring tennis players in Croatia and around the world.
42. Josip Palada
Josip Palada was a well-known Yugoslavian tennis player. Born in 1962, Palada was a talented athlete who achieved great success in the sport of tennis. He was a member of the Yugoslavian Davis Cup team from 1985-1988.
During his career, Palada won four singles titles, two doubles titles, and two mixed doubles titles.
He also reached the semifinals of the 1989 French Open, where he was defeated by the eventual champion, Michael Chang. Palada was known for his powerful serve, as well as his aggressive playing style. He was also known for his ability to play multiple surfaces.
Palada was always a crowd favorite, and his matches often drew large audiences who were eager to see his impressive skills. Off the court, Palada was a beloved figure in the tennis world. He was known for his humility and kindness, and he was always willing to help young players.
He was respected by his peers, and his presence was felt throughout the tennis world. Sadly, Palada’s career was cut short due to illness. He passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on in the hearts of tennis fans around the world.
He will always be remembered for his skill, determination, and kindness.
43. Lea Bošković
Lea Bošković is a highly accomplished professional tennis player from Croatia. She has achieved impressive career-high rankings of 241 in singles and 215 in doubles in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
Bošković has also had much success on the ITF Circuit, having won six singles and eight doubles titles. Additionally, she has also had a great career on the ITF Junior Circuit, achieving a combined ranking of 19 on 5 June 2017, which is her highest combined ranking to date.
Bošković is a true testament to the dedication and talent that it takes to become a successful professional tennis player. Her accomplishments in singles and doubles on both the WTA and ITF Circuit are a result of her hard work and perseverance.
Her impressive combined ranking on the ITF Junior Circuit further highlights her commitment to achieving excellence in her sport.
All in all, Lea Bošković is a remarkable tennis player and her impressive career-high rankings, titles, and combined rankings are a testament to her accomplishments.
She is an inspiration to aspiring tennis players, showing them that hard work and dedication can lead to success in the sport.
44. Saša Tuksar
Saša Tuksar is a former professional tennis player from Croatia who achieved some success in his career. He made it to the second round of the Croatia Open in 2003, where he defeated Albert Montañés in the first set before Montañés retired due to injury.
This would be the only match Tuksar would win on the ATP Tour. Additionally, he competed in two French Opens during his career, though it is unknown how far he progressed in either tournament.
Tuksar’s career was relatively short-lived, but he was still able to achieve some success. He was able to demonstrate his skill on the court, and he was able to make it to the second round of a major tournament.
He also managed to compete in two French Opens, which is an important achievement for any professional tennis player.
Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to the injury sustained by his opponent, but his career still serves as an example of what a determined and talented player can accomplish.
45. Antonio Veić
Antonio Veić is a former professional tennis player and coach from Croatia. He was born on 8 April 1985 and has been playing tennis since the age of five.
During his career, he achieved many successes, and his greatest achievement was reaching his highest singles ranking of 119 on 14 May 2012.
This was an impressive feat considering the number of talented tennis players in the world. Veić has had a successful coaching career as well, having coached some of the top players in the world. He has also been the head coach of the Croatian national tennis team since 2009.
His experience and knowledge of the game have been invaluable in helping the team reach new heights. Veić has been an inspiration to many young tennis players in Croatia, showing them that success is possible with hard work and dedication.
He has also been an advocate for developing the sport in Croatia, helping to raise awareness about it. He is a true testament to the power of dedication and hard work in achieving success.
Conclusion
The best tennis players in Croatia have made a name for themselves in the world of tennis. With stars like Marin Čilić, Ana Konjuh, and Ivo Karlović, Croatia has shown its strength and talent in the sport.
Their dedication and hard work have earned them global recognition and respect as some of the best in the game.
