By Chris Oddo
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Photo Credit: Mark Peterson / Corleve
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(March 7, 2012) 32-year-old former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic announced plans to retire after competing in the Monte Carlo Masters event in April today.
A bronze medal in the 2004 Olympic Games while playing doubles with Mario Ancic, a Davis Cup title with Croatia in 2005 and ten career titles— including the BNP Paribas Open in 2010—are among some of his many career highlights.
Ljubicic escaped war-torn Bosnia at the age of 13 to train in Italy, joining several players in a club that was reaching out to help children.
Later in his career, Ljubicic became known for his charitable works, winning the 2007 ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for his efforts with the Special Olympics. He was also presented with the ATP Aces for Charity grant for his works with the Special Olympics in Monaco in 2011.
Ljubicic, who currently owns 429 ATP wins and has earned over $10 million in prize money, will turn 33 on March 19.
"I look forward to the next stage of my life," said Ljubicic. "Tennis has given me so much and I want to continue to stay involved and contribute."