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Ivan Ljubicic high-fiving a national medal-winning tennis player during a clinic with Special Olympics Shanghai (Photos courtesy of Tennis Masters Cup) | |
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A beautiful sight to see
In late September 2006, when Croatian tennis pro Ivan Ljubicic was in Shanghai, China, for the Tennis Masters Cup (the culminating event of the men's professional tennis circuit), he took time out to conduct a clinic with five tennis athletes from Special Olympics Shanghai.
While sharing his knowledge of the game and giving the athletes an insider's look at the pro-circuit, Ljubicic was mesmerized by what he saw.
“It's fantastic to see them, to see their love for the sport,” says Ljubicic, winner of the doubles bronze medal with Croatian compatriot Mario Ancic at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.” For them, tennis is everything [and] that's one of the reasons why I'm so emotional about them. It's really nice to see someone that loves our sport as much as they do.”
Even better, says Ljubicic, “They have really good tennis skills."
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Tall and powerfully built, Ljubicic is famous for his hard-driving one-handed backhand. |
Ljubicic (born March 19, 1979) lives in Monte-Carlo and is currently No. 3 in the INDESIT ATP rankings. Tall and powerfully built, he is famous for his hard-driving one-handed backhand.
In 2002, Ljubicic became involved with Special Olympics Monaco and has since volunteered to provide equipment and travel funds that enable athletes to participate in weekly training sessions.
“For them it's very important to be able to compete [and] stay motivated. It's a good idea to try to help them because with the equipment; it's not easy - tennis is a very expensive sport,” he says. “So I try to help them as much as I can. Of course it's not always easy but when I'm in Monte Carlo I'm always there to help them if they need.”
During his visits, Ljubicic is pleased to share his knowledge and experience.
“When I am there, they have a lot of questions about tennis, about how do I play, about tactics, forehands and backhands,” he says. “I'm really happy to tell them everything they want to know.”
Still, Ljubicic laments the lack of time for more frequent and extended visits.
“Unfortunately, we are traveling too much all year long and we don't have a lot of time at home, so we don't have a chance to see them very often,” he says.
Ljubicic says that in Shanghai, he had the opportunity to play some doubles and singles with those Special Olympics athletes, in addition to a coaching hour.
“It's so exciting when they play and I was really pleased to have a chance to explain [the game] and help them a little,” he says.
“For me, every time I have a chance like this, I think we just have to do it because it's our sport and we have to do everything for our sport, not only in Monaco but all around the world. I just want to help them any way I can and I hope more of the guys will do this.”
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