Ancic quits

26-year-old Mario Ancic, former No. 7 in the world, lost his biennial battle with mononucleosis and chronic back problem – announced retirement from professional tennis. The Croat due to his illness played only seven tournaments in 2009 and nine tournaments last year (only three of them at the main level). “This is a difficult, emotional day for me,” said Ancic last week. “However, I don’t want it to be a sad day and I would like to still be remembered for everything I did in tennis and for the glory I brought to both Split and Croatia“. Along with Ivan Ljubicic he won for Croatia the bronze medal at the Olympics in Athens (2004), Davis Cup (2005) and World Team Cup (2006).

My MTF tribute thread

In the picture 19-year-old Ancic plays backhand in his second round five-setter against Andre Agassi at Roland Garros 2003.