Mario Ancic

Novak Djokovic, Serbia-Montenegro, def. Mario Ancic (22), Croatia, 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Mario Ancic's most powerful ace against Korean Hyung-Taik Lee during the first round of the US Open blurred past his opponent's left shoulder and rang the metal and plastic score board in the corner of the court.

Ancic's ace, which put him ahead 5-2 in the first set of a 6-2, 6-1, 7-5 victory, certainly served as a stark example of how the 22nd seed Ancic would best his unseeded opponent.

The 21-year-old Croat, who may be best known as the surprise semifinalist at Wimbledon last year, notched eight aces against Lee and proved every bit as punishing with his forehand. Despite being overpowered, Lee was never totally overwhelmed. He battled back in the third set thanks to a few finely placed shots from the net and some erratic play from Ancic. A Korean man waved a huge colorful cardboard placard etched with a message in Korean, loosely translated as "Fight On, Korean Boy", which seemed to capture every bit of Lee's composure.

But Ancic proved too much to handle. Despite looking somewhat drained in the third set, Ancic settled and regained his crushing serve to the tune of two aces in his final two games.

18 August results - (3)L Hewitt (AUS) d M Ancic (CRO) 6-1, 6-4

17 August results - M Ancic (CRO) d (16)R Gasquet (FRA) 6-4, 7-6(6)

Mario Ancic def. Ricardo Mello, 6-2, 6-3

Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan ousted sixth seed Mario Ancic of Croatia 7-6 (4), 6-7 (4), 6-2 at the first round of the 380,000 US dollars ATP hardcourt tournament here on Monday.

The 44th-ranked Paradorn set up a second-round match at the US Open hardcourt tuneup event against American wild card Paul Goldstein, who ousted France's Cyril Saulnier 6-4, 6-4, after dumping the 30th-rated Ancic.

Mario Ancic withdrew with a back injury.

It was a dead fifth rubber but it certainly, as far as Mario Ancic was concerned, did not look like it. The Croatian no. 2 was fighting 'for his life', even though nothing could change the outcome of this match, and nothing could take away Croatia’s first ever semifinal berth.

Mario Ancic was playing Davis Cup for the first time in his home city of Split, and having lost his opening singles on Friday, he did not want to taste defeat for a second time. So, at the end of the day, and the tie, Ancic made the best of two tie-breaks to defeat Victor Hanescu 76(3) 76(8), and give Croatia a sound 4-1 victory over Romania in this Davis CUP by BNP Paribas quarterfinal. Just as Ivan Ljubicic had predicted on draw day.

Ancic took the first tiebreak in easy fashion, and looked better in the second set, but missed three match points at 0-40 in the 10th game, Hanescu escaping with some great serving. The Croatian was up 3-1 and 4-2 in the ensuing second set tiebreak, but Hanescu got back to hold two set points at 6-5 and 8-7. However, Ancic saved both with first serves, and then secured a mini-break for the match.

Ancic, just as Ivan Ljubicic had done after he clinched the tie for Croatia with victory over Andrei Pavel, celebrated by throwing his racquet and shirt to the spectators, most of whom stayed until the end of the tie.

Russia is the new challenge for Croatia, a semifinal tie that will take place in Zagreb or Split, September 23-25. It will be another big occasion for Croatia, and one that took many by surprise. One man knew. Goran Ivanisevic said two years ago: "This generation can win the Davis Cup".

He was referring to Ivan Ljubicic, Mario Ancic and Ivo Karlovic. And he would not take no for an answer.

"I'm serious. But to get the chance, we must win a big one away from home."

The big one happened in Carson this year, in the first round against USA. Croatia shocked the world of tennis by getting the better of Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and the Bryan brothers, with Ivan Ljubicic the hero of the tie. He took Agassi in three sets on the first day, and Andy Roddick in five on the Sunday, having teamed with Mario Ancic to defeat the Bryan brothers in four sets on the Saturday.

Ljubicic was again the hero against Romania this weekend. After Andrei Pavel had shocked the hosts by defeating Mario Ancic in the first rubber on Friday, Ljubicic won the second rubber against Victor Hanescu, and partnered Ancic to an epic victory over Pavel and Gabriel Trifu in Saturday’s doubles. It was part of the script, then, that he should defeat Andrei Pavel in the reverse singles on Sunday, and indeed he did, making short work of the Romanian no.1 to win 63 64 63

Ominously for Russia, Ljubicic is already getting ready for the semifinal

"The going is getting tougher," he said. "Russia has two top 10 players, Marat Safin and Nikolay Davydenko, Safin will play the semis there's no doubt. Russia also has Mikhail Youzhny, who won the Davis cup for Russia in France coming back from two sets down [in 2002]. Russia has Igor Andreev, the best fourth man in Davis cup, but we like our chances in doubles. The rest? We have to win two singles. Somehow."

Captain Niki Pilic is also happy to play the Russians: "Russia is the best opponent to have in the semifinals - we have to play them at some point if we want to win the Cup."

Mario Ancic meanwhile was philosophical, but also optimistic.

"When we play at home, we can beat anybody. First round or semis. Russia has a strong team, but we are strong also. If we are ready and ready to go I don’t fear anybody."

Pilic has gone to seven Davis Cup semifinals - six with Germany, and now one with Croatia. As German captain, Pilic won three semifinals, but also lost three – two of those against Russia. Pilic has never beaten Russia.

"This could be the time. Don’t remind me of the time that passed. We lost against Russia in 1995, with Michael Stich having 9 match points on his serve against Andrei Chesnokov. I still cannot believe it happened. Stich was, at that time, the best server in the world."

Ancic is naturally keen to play the Russians in Split: "The atmosphere was great, everything was great, so Split deserves one more."

Pilic agrees: "Split is our choice, it was great. Surface? The same. Same surface, same spectators and same journalists."

This was a great day for Croatian tennis. The semifinals beckon for the first time - one step to the finals. One step to the stars, one step to heaven.

Romanian no.1 Andrei Pavel took a five-set first rubber thriller against Mario Ancic to give Romania a 1-0 lead over Croatia in this Davis Cup by BNP Paribas quarterfinal tie in Split. Pavel came from two sets-to-one down to defeat Ancic 16 64 46 63 64 in three hours and 40 minutes.

Ancic, playing a Davis Cup tie for the first time in his home town of Split, raced through the first set in 27 minutes. Ancic was all over his opponent, losing only three points on serve, returning great, and having chances in nearly every game.

Ancic looked to be set for a two set lead, as he established a 61 3-1 advantage and held a break point to go 4-1 up. Pavel saved the break point with a great serve and drop-shot, however, and that was the beginning of a big comeback for Pavel.

"It's easy now to talk about what could have been, but if I made that point for 4-1 and won the second set it could have been a big ask for Pavel to get back into the match," reflected Ancic.

"Mario started great, serving, hitting winners all over the place, nothing I could do," agreed Pavel.

"If he had made the break-point for 4-1 in the second set it would have been a big, big climb for me."

But after holding his serve Pavel then broke for the first time for 3-all, Ancic saving two break points but not a third as Pavel made a great return.

Worse was to come for Ancic, the Croat dropping serve for the second time in the tenth game. He saved two set points but made things difficult with two double faults, and a forehand error that gave Pavel the second set.

A break in the third game of the third set put Ancic on his way to a two-sets-to-one lead, but Pavel responded with a break in the fourth game of the fourth set, and after two hours and 50 minutes they stood level at two sets apiece.

Pavel drew first blood, breaking in the fifth game of the fifth set, but Ancic had a great chance to break back immediately, just failing to clear the net with a sitting duck backhand with the court wide open. Ancic had one more chance, when Pavel double faulted for 30-40 in the eighth game, but Ancic missed his chance when he put the forehand return wide. Standing at 5-4 and serving for the match, Pavel made no mistake and closed out the win.

Pavel thought that the key to the match was winning the second set: "Even though I was getting nervous, I ran out of ideas. What to do, how to serve, how to return, he was that good. I decided to wait and see. Slowly it turned."

For Pavel, he also felt it was the best, or one of the best matches, he has played this season.

"I played great against Max Mirnyi in the first round tie with Belarus, but this is almost better or the same category. More experience? I don’t think I'm more experienced, Mario has played a Grand Slam semifinal [at Wimbledon], I have not. It was just tougher for him, it's always tougher to play at home."

Ancic meanwhile felt he had a bit of bad luck. Pavel certainly did hit some lines, had a few net cords, and was a little fortunate when he broke in the fifth set.

"Everything was good apart from the final result," said Ancic afterwards. "I played a good match, but Pavel had more luck at crucial points."

Asked whether lost the match or Pavel won it, Ancic had no doubt.

"Pavel won, I played a good match, nothing to be ashamed of. It was just a point here or there."

Mario Ancic has parted company with his coach, Rohan Goetzke, concluding a two-year partnership that saw Ancic reach the 2004 Wimbledon semifinals and claim his first career title at 's-Hertogenbosch two weeks ago.

The 17th-ranked Croatian advanced to the fourth round of Wimbledon falling to 26th-seeded Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in straight sets. In the aftermath of that match, Goetzke informed Ancic he no longer wanted to travel the tour full time. Goetzke plans to spend time at home with his family.

"I understand Rohan's decision and wish him the very best," Ancic said in a statement. "I appreciate the many hours he has dedicated to my tennis career."

The 21-year-old Ancic and his advisors expect to announce their choice for a new coach shortly. Ancic is next scheduled to compete at the RCA championships in Indianapolis starting July 18th followed by the Mercedes Benz Cup in Los Angeles, which begins on July 25th.

Source: Tennis Week, thanks to Betsmoyo

Feliciano Lopez humbled Croatian 10th seed Mario Ancic 6-4 6-4 6-2 on Monday to become the first Spaniard to reach the quarter-finals at Wimbledon since 1972.

The 23-year-old lefthander spiked his opponent's powerful serve and raced into the last eight of a grand slam for the first time in one hour and 40 minutes.

Ancic, the last player to beat world number one Roger Federer on grass back in 2002, was looking to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals for the second year in a row.

The last Spaniard to reach the quarter-finals at the All England Club was Manuel Orantes. Lopez, who will face Lleyton Hewitt or Taylor Dent, could be joined by Juan-Carlos Ferrero if his compatriot can beat Federer later on Monday.

M.Ancic def. G.Monfils, 6-3 6-3 6-1

Read more about the match - article

Mario Ancic def. Thai player Danai Udomchoke 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in just under three hours.

Read more about the match - article

Mario Ancic def. T.Summerer, 6-3, 7-5, 6-1

Read more about the match - article

By ARTHUR MAX, Associated Press Writer DEN BOSCH, Netherlands - Mario Ancic of Croatia won his first ATP title at the Ordina Open on Sunday, beating defending champion Michael Llodra 7-5, 6-4.

It was the first victory in three finals for the 21-year-old Ancic, whose powerful serve befuddled his opponent.

"I played some good points when I needed them," Ancic said.

Ancic reached the semifinals of Wimbledon last year after also making the semifinals at Den Bosch. He said he hoped to "continue the tradition" in his opening match this year at Wimbledon, which starts Monday.

Ancic, seeded 10th, will meet German qualifier Tobias Summerer in his first match.

Ancic was the last man to beat No. 1 Roger Federer at Wimbledon, knocking him out in the first round three years ago. Asked whether Federer can be beaten this year, Ancic said, "You have to play unbelievable, and he has to be not 100 percent on top of his game."

Llodra said he also felt more confident for Wimbledon, despite the loss. He plays ninth-seed Sebastien Grosjean, also from France, in the first round.

Against Llodra, Ancic had eight aces and dropped only three points on his serve in the first set.

But Llodra played faultless serve-and-volley, losing only one of his service points until the 11th game. Ancic passed the Frenchman at the net, hit a service return winner down the line and a winner at the net. Rattled, Llodra double faulted at game point, and Ancic comfortably served out the set.

Ancic won the fifth game of the second set with a cross-court pass to go up a break. Llodra saved two match points to hold in the next game, but Ancic moved up to the net for the winning points to close out the match.

"I have been serving very good all week. For sure it is my biggest weapon," Ancic said. "I didn't give him too many chances to return." Ancic: On winning his first ATP title "It's a great feeling! Today was my third final, which adds a little bit extra to it. In my first final I lost 7-6 in the third, my second final was this year in Scottsdale. I was really focused today to get one title under my belt. I knew the feeling after my first two finals."

"I'm very satisfied with the way I played and winning my first title. It's a relief! I've been practicing a lot in Amsterdam so it's very nice to win here in Holland. "

"Michael is a great player on grass. He won here last year and had a good run this year so I knew it would be difficult. I felt confident out there today, playing really good tennis from the first to the last point. I played especially well on the key points, which gives me extra confidence. I was in control of the match and that's a very nice feeling."

"I've been serving very good all week. On grass it's for sure my biggest weapon. I didn't give him too many chances to return today."

"My confidence level is good now, it was important for me to have some good and tough matches here, especially for Wimbledon next week. Last year I played great in Wimbledon after my semifinal here. I hope I can continue the tradition this year."

On Goran Ivanisevic
"He hasn't only influenced my tennis but he is a great guy. We all know what he did in the tennis world. He also helped me in my career. Earlier he gave me some advice, now we are more talking like two friends. I want to thank him for everything he did for me."

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Mario Ancic, who for so long had carried the unwanted title as the 'highest-ranked player yet to win an ATP title,' claimed his first pro victory Sunday, defeating defending champion Michael Llodra 7-5, 6-4 to win the Ordina Open in 's-Hertogenbosch. The victory was a perfect lead-in to Wimbledon, where last year Ancic reached the semifinals.

The 21-year-old Croatian was playing in his third ATP final, having lost his previous two finals (’05 Scottsdale – l. to Arthurs, ’04 Milan – l. to Dupuis).

One break of serve per set was enough for Ancic, who used two of the nine break points he held. The Croatian’s serve worked to perfection in the final. He put 72% of his first serves in, of which he won 90%. Ancic lost only three points on his serve in the first set, and didn’t face a break point all match. He fired 13 aces in the final. Llodra saved three match points at 5-3 in the second set, but Ancic made sure to close out the match in his next service game.

Ancic made his third appearance at the Ordina Open; his best previous performance was reaching the semifinals last year (l. to Coria).

Ancic continues his impressive 2005 ATP season and now holds a 27-14 record. Earlier this year he reached final in Scottsdale (l. to Arthurs) and the semifinals in Marseille (l. to Ljubicic) and Rotterdam (l. to Federer).

On his way to the Ordina Open title Ancic defeated qualifier Paul Logtens, Wayne Arthurs, Jonas Bjorkman and Jan Hernych before overcoming Michael Llodra in the final.

Ancic collects 35 INDESIT ATP 2005 Race Points and €44,100.

With the win Ancic will move to his best-ever position in the INDESIT ATP Entry Ranking, climbing a few spots above his previous best No. 18.

Defending champion Michael Llodra was seeking his second career ATP title, in his third final, after having won his first trophy in ‘s-Hertogenbosch one year ago.

The 25-year-old Frenchman was looking to become the third player to successfully defend the Ordina Open title (Rafter ’00, ’99, ’98; Schalken ’03, ’02).

Llodra defeated qualifier Denis Gremelmayr, No. 8 seed Paul-Henri Mathieu, Lars Burgsmuller and wild card Mark Philippoussis en route to the final.

's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands (Sports Network) - Third-seeded Croat Mario Ancic and defending champion Michael Llodra of France each posted semifinal wins and will meet in Sunday's championship match at the grass-court Ordina Open -- a final Wimbledon tune-up.

Ancic, a semifinalist at Wimbledon last year, downed Czech Jan Hernych 6-4, 6-4, while the unseeded Llodra outlasted 2003 Wimbledon runner-up Mark Philippoussis 7-6 (7-2), 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 at Autotron Rosmalen.

The 6-5 Ancic will be appearing in his third career ATP Tour singles final and will be trying to claim his first title. The left-handed Llodra, on the other hand, will be looking for his second singles crown.

Llodra, who will compete in his third career final, defeated Argentine Guillermo Coria in last year's title match here.

Ancic won the only previous meeting, but the two have not met since 2002.

This week's winner will earn $53,000.

Third-seeded Mario Ancic beat Jonas Bjorkman 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, and will play Hernych in the semifinals.

Mario Ancic needed one hour, 47 minutes to overcome Jonas Bjorkman 6-1, 3-6, 6-3. The third seed from Croatia had a perfect start to the match opening up a 5-0 lead. He converted three of seven break point opportunities while Bjorkman could convert only one of seven, but it proved to be crucial as it earned him the second set.

Ancic will face Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic in the semifinal. Hernych saved four first-set points to overcome Germany's Phillip Kohlschreiber 7-6(1), 62 in one hour, 39 minutes. Hernych then won six of the last seven games in the second set.

"I think it was a really good match for me. I started really good but still he was putting a lot of returns in. He is one of the best return players in the game. The momentum changed in the second set, he started to play really good."

"I had some chances and he had some as well. Finally I broke him in the third set and carried it to the end."

About playing Hernych in the semifinals: "He had some upsets here this week so he is playing well. But I played his in the first round last week in Queen's, which I think was good because I know how he is playing. I will just play my game, being aggressive, I will try to come in on him."

's-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands Third-seeded Croat Mario Ancic and 2003 Wimbledon runner-up Mark Philippoussis were among Thursday's second-round winners at the grass-court Ordina Open - a final Wimbledon tune up.

Ancic, a semifinalist at the All England Club last year, held off fellow big-server Wayne Arthurs of Australia 6-4, 7-6 (7-1).

Ancic's quarterfinal opponent on Friday will be veteran Swede Jonas Bjorkman.

Third Seeded Mario Ancic needed just over an hour to move into the second round of the Ordina Open in 's-Hertogenbosch on Tuesday.

Ancic defeated qualifier Paul Logtens of The Netherlands handily 6-4, 6-2, converting three of five breakpoints compared to zero for two Logtens. From 5-4 in the first set to 4-0 in the second set, Ancic won five successive games.

Ancic will clash with big-serving Aussie Wayne Arthurs in the second round.

"It was a good win. It's really important to get a good start. I think I played really good and served well, which helps on grass. I also returned pretty solid so I'm really happy with my first match."

"I'm playing another guy, who is great on grass with a big serve, Wayne Arthurs. We played once in Scottsdale, where I lost, so I will try to play different than there."

Listen to Marios press conference from after the match

Source: atptennis.com & Laura :)

Croatian fifth seed Mario Ancic, a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year, was eliminated 7-5, 1-6, 6-3 by gifted French teenager Richard Gasquet.

Former Wimbledon semi-finalist Mario Ancic has advanced to the third round of the Stella Artois Championship.

Ancic, who defeated Tim Henman in the quarter-finals at the All England Club last year, beat Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic 6-4 6-4 in glorious sunshine at Queen's Club.

The 6ft 5in Croatian, seeded fifth, will face either British number five Jamie Delgado or Richard Gasquet in the last 16.

David Nalbandian of Argentina advanced after beating No. 18 Mario Ancic of Croatia 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-3

Mario Ancic, Croatia, def. Oscar Hernandez, Spain, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-3.

Mario Ancic def. Marcos Daniel, 6-2, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4)

G.Coria def. M.Ancic 6-4, 6-3

M. Ancic (CRO) def. F. Gonzalez (CHI) 6 - 3, 7 - 6

M Ancic (CRO) d F Mayer (GER) 61 62

Radek Stepanek (15) def. Mario Ancic, 6-1, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3

Mens Doubles Results - Mario and Julian Knowle will play against Florian Mayer and Alexander Waske in the final.

Mens Singles Results

Munich - 28.04.05 - finalist Jarkko Nieminen of Finland beat third-seeded Croat Mario Ancic 7-6 (7-5), 6-4

Munich - 26.04.05 - Mario Ancic, seeded third, beat Jose Acasuso 6-2, 6-4.

Monaco - Gustavo Kuerten's hopes of lifting a third Monte Carlo Masters crown were ruthlessly dashed by Mario Ancic on Tuesday when the Croatian 13th seed won their first round clash 7-5, 6-2.

Kuerten, a triple French Open champion, only returned to action last week in Valencia after a second hip surgery kept him sidelined for six months.

The 28-year-old Brazilian, a former world No 1 whose ranking has dipped to 86 during his absence, managed just one win in Spain before heading for the principality.

He should have been favourite against the serve-and-volleying instincts of the 21-year-old Ancic, but his lack of match sharpness was exposed on another overcast day on the Riviera.

Ancic grabbed the vital break in the 12th game of the first set with a thundering running backhand down the line and then edged ahead in the second set when Kuerten, champion here in 1999 and 2001, dropped serve in the second game.

Kuerten, still far from the level which once took him to number one in the world, then hit a wild forehand wide to present the match to Ancic after 92 minutes.

"You never want to play 'Guga' when he has had a lot of matches under his belt," admitted Ancic who next faces either Fernando Gonzalez of Chile or Spain's Fernando Verdasco.

"It was important that I was playing him after being free of injuries because he is one of the greatest clay court players of all time."

Kuerten's demise was also good news for world number one and top seed here Roger Federer who had been scheduled to face the Brazilian in the third round.

It was Kuerten who put an end to the Swiss star's hopes of lifting an elusive French Open title in 2004.

Federer opens his Monte Carlo campaign later Tuesday against Britain's Greg Rusedski.

Mario Ancic (CRO) [18] lost to Roger Federer (SUI) [1] 6 - 3, 4 - 6, 6 - 4

Mario Ancic (CRO) [18] d. Tommy Haas (GER) [16] 6 - 4, 6 - 4

Latest results - Mario Ancic (CRO) d R Mello (BRA) 6 - 4, 6 - 1

Czech Tomas Berdych toppled number 19 Mario Ancic of Croatia 7-5, 3-6, 6-2

Ivan Ljubicic vanquished Andy Roddick in five sets to lift Croatia to a stunning Davis Cup victory over a powerful US lineup and into the World Group quarter-finals.

Ljubicic - already with four ATP finals appearances to his credit this year - capped a superb weekend with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (13/11), 6-7 (7/9), 6-2 victory over the third-ranked player in the world.

He had already beaten eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi in straight sets to open the tie, and teammed with Mario Ancic to beat the top-ranked doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan on Saturday.

"I have no words, really," said Ljubicic, who battled a sore knee late in the match but said it hardly hindered him.

"Today I felt really good - I could go forever, I had the feeling," said Ljubicic, who saved four set points before surrendering the fourth-set tiebreaker, but then immediately broke Roddick in the first game of the fifth.

"In the fifth, I started with the break," he said. "Once you're a break up, it's much easier, because there is no tiebreak in the fifth. So if he wants to win, he needs to break me twice."

The defeat marked the first time the United States have lost a first-round match at home in the history of the Davis Cup. Roddick, who beat Ancic on Friday, suffered his first home loss in 14 Davis Cup matches.

Agassi, his return to Davis Cup after a five-year absence spoiled, didn't play the dead match, leaving Bob Bryan to step in and post a 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 victory over Croatian reserve Roko Karanusic, playing in place of Ancic.

The United States, who have won a record 31 titles but haven't lifted the trophy since 1995, will have to win a relegation match in September to stay in the World Group, while Croatia advance to a quarter-final clash with Romania, who edged Belarus 3-2.

"There's no worse feeling than to lose a match in Davis Cup, when your teammates are counting on you," a dejected Roddick said.

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic handed Bob and Mike Bryan their first Davis Cup doubles defeat to give Croatia a 2-1 lead over the United States in their World Group first-round tie.

Ljubicic and Ancic, who captured the men's doubles bronze at the Athens Olympics, downed the Bryan brothers 3-6, 7-6 (10/8), 6-4, 6-4 to put the United States, runner-up to Spain last year in the international team competition - on the brink of elimination in the best-of-five match tie.

The two countries had gone into the second day of competition with one point apiece after splitting the opening singles on Friday.

Ljubicic got Croatia off to a quick start with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/0), 6-3 victory over eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi, before world number three Andy Roddick of the United States defeated Ancic 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 to square the tie.

The Bryan twins suffered their first defeat in six Davis Cup doubles appearances.

The two players carrying the load for Croatia still faced the unenviable task of gaining one more point in the reverse singles, when Roddick was to take on Ljubicic and Agassi was slated to play Ancic.

The winners will next face either Romania or Belarus in the quarter-finals in July. Belarus led their first-round tie in Bucharest 2-1 after Saturday's doubles.

CARSON, California - Andy Roddick has defeated Mario Ancic 4-6 6-2 6-1 6-4 to help the U.S. draw level at 1-1 with Croatia in their first round Davis Cup World Group tie after the opening singles.

SCOTTSDALE, United States : Australian veteran Wayne Arthurs captured his first career ATP singles title on Sunday with a straight-set vitctory over third-seeded Mario Ancic of Croatia.

Arthurs, 33, turned professional in 1990 and had reached just one other ATP singles final, at Nottingham in 2002.

Ancic, who had cruised past second seed and defending champion Vincent Spadea of the United States in the semi-finals, was unable to break through for his first ATP victory.

Arthurs had edged Belgian Christophe Rochus in the semi-finals. - AFP

Third seed Mario Ancic reached his second straight ATP final with a 6-1 6-4 win over defending champion Vince Spadea in Scottsdale.
The Croatian, beaten by Roger Federer in Rotterdam last week, will meet surprise finalist Wayne Arthurs.

Australian Arthurs, at 33 the second oldest player on tour, defeated Christophe Rochus 7-5 7-6 (7-2).

Arthurs, who has never won an ATP title, said: "Sunday might be the day I break the drought."

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Third-seeded Mario Ancic defeated Giovanni Lapentti of Ecuador 6-1, 6-4 to roll into the semifinals of the Tennis Channel Open on Friday.

Belgian Christophe Rochus and Wayne Arthurs of Australia also had straight-set victories in the quarterfinals.

Rochus beat Davide Sanguinetti of Italy 6-4, 6-3, and the 33-year-old Arthurs - the second-oldest player on the ATP tour - beat Glenn Weiner 6-3, 7-6 (3).

Ancic will face either defending champion Vince Spadea or James Blake, who played in a late quarterfinal match.

Ancic is on a roll after advancing to the semifinals in Marseille and Rotterdam the previous two weeks.

"I am playing very good tennis," Ancic said. "I am playing really solid the last couple weeks. I am pretty happy with the way I've played."

Rochus reached his first semifinal since Casablanca in May, beating Sanguinetti for the second time in four meetings.

"For me, it's great," Rochus said. "I was injured so many months and now I am playing better. I am feeling a little bit lucky."

Arthurs, a doubles specialist who has yet to win a singles event after 16 years on the tour, was happy to reach his first semifinal since Shanghai in September 2003.

"I'm overjoyed to be in the semifinals," he said. "I've been practicing pretty well and now I am playing well."

Source: AP News

Jeff Metcalfe
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 24, 2005 12:00 AM

Mario Ancic might be at the right place/right time for his first ATP Tour win.

The 20-year-old Croatian posted his first career win over Australian Mark Philippoussis, 6-1, 7-6 (3), Wednesday night and is playing well enough to take the Tennis Channel Open, now without five of its eight singles seeds.

Sixth-seeded Irakli Labadze and No. 8 Lars Burgsmuller were the latest victims. Only No. 2/defending champion Vince Spadea, No. 3 Ancic and No. 5 Kevin Kim remain.

Kim and Spadea play their second-round matches in today's opening session, starting at noon at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. James Blake vs. Jeff Salzenstein is the feature match in the night session at 6:30 p.m.

Ancic made it through to his third consecutive quarterfinal with relative ease although Philippoussis, playing in his first tournament of the year, rallied from 5-3, 0-30 down to reach set point in the second.

Averting split sets with a backhand volley, Ancic continued to press to the net in the tiebreaker when he also cranked out 136 and 138 mph aces. He finished with 10 aces to only one for Philippoussis and committed just two unforced errors in the first set.

"He was playing better and my serve dropped a little bit (in the second set)," said Ancic, who won for the first time in three tries vs. Philippoussis. "He is a good player. He doesn't give you too much. In the tiebreaker I was more aggressive and that gave me the match."

Philippoussis, who won here in 1997, dropped out of the top 100 for only the second time in 10 years after going 11-19 in 2004.

"I think it shows that I need match play," Philippoussis said. "I felt good physically. As the match went on, my movement was better and better. He's playing well."

Philippoussis said he would train in Florida for the Pacific Life Open beginning March 7 although he might be forced to go through qualifying for that major tournament in Indian Wells, Calif.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Third-seed Mario Ancic cruised to the quarterfinals of the Tennis Channel Open, defeating Australian Mark Philippoussis 6-1, 7-6 (3) on Wednesday.

Two other seeded players weren't so fortunate as No. 6 Irakli Labadze of Georgia and No. 8 German Lars Burgsmuller both lost. Only three seeds remain in the tournament. On Tuesday, top-seeded Tommy Haas withdrew because of the flu.

Giovanni Lapentti of Ecuador defeated Labadze 6-2, 6-2 and American Glenn Weiner beat Burgsmuller 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Also advancing to the quarters was Australian Wayne Arthurs. Christopher Rochus of Belgium won the final first-round match played Wednesday.

"I am in a phase where I am playing well," said Ancic, who made it to the semifinals in Marseille and Rotterdam the last two weeks. "I need to play 120 percent my next match."

Philippoussis was playing for the first time this week since tearing a groin muscle in early January.

"I need to play matches," said Philippoussis, "it's as simple as that."

With five of eight seeds gone, Weiner likes his chances.

"Unfortunately, a lot of the seeds have either lost or had to pull out," said Weiner, who advanced to only his second career quarterfinal. "We all have a pretty good shot now.

"Who ever can come away with the title really helps, even finals really helps," he said. "This is great."

Arthurs defeated American Justin Gimelstob 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (6). Arthurs was only 6-16 in match-deciding tiebreakers coming into the tournament but has won both of his matches in Scottsdale on third-set tiebreakers.

Rochus beat American Jeff Morrison 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Source: AP News.

No. 3 seed Mario Ancic rebounded from a slow start to beat American wild card Brendan Evans 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, in a first round match on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old Croatian, who is coming off back-to-back indoor semifinal results in Marseille and Rotterdam the last two weeks, overcame jet lag and two rain delays in the third set to advance to the second round. He lost the opening set when he double-faulted in the eighth game before Evans served out at 40-15. In the second set, Ancic broke in the fourth and eighth games to level the match. In the third set, both players exchanged breaks in the third and fourth games before Ancic took the decisive break in the eighth game. He closed out the match with his eighth ace.

Ancic: "It was tough with the rain delays and I didn't play my best tennis but I am happy to pull this match out. He was confident at the beginning and I had to get used to the conditions since I've been playing indoors the last month. I wanted to shorten the points and come in on second serves and short balls. I am going to get some rest and get ready for my second round match on Thursday. I am going to take one match at a time this week and do the best I can."

Source: ATP Official Site, thanks to Joycelovemario

Tim Tyers
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 22, 2005 12:00 AM

Mario Ancic, the No. 3 seed in the ATP Tennis Channel Open at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, can't be blamed if his attention is not on the present.

Ancic, eliminated in the first round here last year by Russian Igor Andreev, and Croatian teammate Ivan Ljubicic are scheduled to take on Americans Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi in Davis Cup singles matches March 4-6 in Carson, Calif.

"I'm really looking forward to that," said Ancic, who's 9-4 this year and is coming off semifinal appearances in Marseille, France, and Rotterdam, Netherlands. "They're a huge favorite, but Ivan and me have played really good the last couple of weeks, and there are always a lot of surprises in Davis Cup."

Ancic lost to Roddick last year at Wimbledon and hasn't played Agassi for a couple of years.

"I'm playing really good, and Ivan is especially playing good," Ancic said. "He has made three finals in a row."

Ljubicic lost in two of those three finals to the world's top-ranked player, Roger Federer.

Ancic, whose current ATP ranking is No. 16, didn't arrive in Scottsdale until late Sunday night after an eight-hour flight from Rotterdam. He knows he has to be on his toes today in his first-round match against American Brandon Evans, a wild-card entrant.

"It's going to be tough," he said. "I have a little bit of jet lag."

ROTTERDAM, The Netherlands (AFP) - World number one Roger Federer gained sweet revenge for one of the most shattering defeats of his career when he beat Croatia's Mario Ancic 7-5, 6-3 to reach the final of the Rotterdam Open.

At Wimbledon in 2002, Federer was knocked out by Ancic in the first round but there was never any chance of a repeat on Saturday as the duo came face-to-face for the first time since that shock.

Federer sliced his way into a second career final here, one of the few events that the Swiss has never won and on Sunday he will now face another Croatian, Ivan Ljubicic who defeated Swede Tomas Johansson 7-6 (7/4), 7-5.

After losing a title shot to Federer in early January at Doha and another last Sunday against another Swede, Joachim Johansson in Marseille, Ljubicic is keen to break that streak.

Federer broke Ancic late in the opening set as he got accustomed to the Croatian's huge serving style.

The Swiss surged into the lead in the second set, assuring victory and his third final of the season with breaks in the third and final games of the set to wrap up the one-hour, 21-minute victory.

"I knew I had to return well today and get him to work hard on his serve if I was to win," said Federer, now 14-1 this season with a title at Doha and just that shattering semi-final defeat at the Australian Open against Marat Safin to set in the debit column.

"In the first set I was struggling to get his serve back and to win points, but I played a very consistent and good match today," said Federer.

"His serve speed is pretty good - first you have to handle that. I was able to start picking the correct side of the court where he was going to serve, sometimes that works for you.

"I'm looking forward to my second final here (he lost in 2001 to Frenchman Nicolas Escude). I'm hoping to win it."

Ljubicic beat Johansson for the first time in his career.

"I've been playing better and better," said the 19th-ranked Ljubicic, who re-confirmed his brash promise made on court in the heat of a quarter-final victory that he would buy everyone in the crowd a drink should he lift the title on Sunday.

"Let's do it," he said of the gesture, which could end up costing the better part of 20,000 euros to buy a round for a sellout crowd of 8,500 at the Ahoy stadium. "I hope to be celebrating a victory Sunday."

Ljubicic had never won a match against his opponent, losing his three previous encounters, including two in 2002.

But the inspired Croatian converted on the lone break of the match, which came late in the second set after he had won the first in a tie-breaker.

Down two break points at 5-all, Johansson saved the first with a backhand volley winner but put a forehand out to hand Ljubicic a 6-5 lead.

The eager Croatian served it out a game later with his 12th ace of the afternoon, which complemented another nine winners.

"This was my 20th match of the season," said the hard-working winner. "And each match just gets better and better. The pressure is less. I just think about every shot, what I have to do next."

Unfortunately for Tim Henman, his name will not adorn the Centre Court boarding next year. Despite a tenacious effort, the Englishman was beaten to the post by Mario Ancic last night: 7-6, 7-6

"It was another tough match with several service breaks," Ancic commented afterwards. "I waited for the right moments to attack. Mind you, as far as luck is concerned, I have nothing complain about. I was experiencing difficulties during my service games, but mentally I managed to stay on top of things."

Ancic will next play number one seed Roger Federer: "I'll have to stay focussed, concentrate on my service and play aggressively."

Tim Henman crashed out of the ABN-AMRO tournament in Rotterdam as Mario Ancic kept his composure to set up a semi-final meeting with Roger Federer. Henman did little wrong but Ancic combined efficient serving with intelligent returns and won both sets via tie-breaks.

However, the British number one often seemed on the back foot despite managing to limit the number of un-forced errors.

Big-serving Ancic began impressively, winning his first two service games to love and then breaking to open up a 3-1 lead.

But he failed to capitalise and both players began to struggle on serve as they traded breaks in each of the next three games.

Henman, who set up the meeting with victories against Nicolas Kiefer and Michael Llodra, finally held his serve in the eighth game to level at 4-4 and the set moved into a tie-break. Henman did manage to save two set points but Ancic eventually claimed it 7-5.

With the second set poised at 3-3 during Henman's serve in the seventh game, play was temporarily halted when a spectator had to be taken out of the crowd, apparently unwell.

The pause did not affect the Briton's concentration though and he finished off the game to move 4-3 up.

At six games each another tie break was required and Ancic struck first, going two up before making it three with a delightfully-composed chip over the net.

Henman pulled it back to 3-3 in the tie break before the Croatian asserted his authority and won the tie-break 7-4.

Source: http://icsolihull.icnetwork.co.uk/

Mario Ancic has reached the quarter-finals of the ABN AMRO WTT. Earlier this afternoon, the Croat beat Olivier Rochus 6-4, 6-3.

"It was a tougher match than the score would suggest" the winner said afterwards. "Olivier is not only quick, he also keeps the ball very low. Luckily I was serving well, which allowed me to control the match at the most important moments."

Although little separated the players during the opening set, Ancic produced several excellent returns at 5-4, breaking the Belgian's service to take the set. Rochus started the second set well and exerted considerable pressure during the Croat's service games. Even though he had several breakpoints in the first and fifth games, Ancic launched his best serves at just the right time. The match took a decisive turn in the seventh game, when Rochus produced two unforced errors and a double fault. Now leading 5-3, Ancic again let his service do the work, clinching the match with an ace.

Source: http://www.abnamrowtt.nl

Mario Ancic of Croatia, a Wimbledon semifinalist last year, eliminated Taylor Dent of the United States 7-6 (5), 7-5 and meets Rochus next.

Eighth-seeded Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia reached the Open 13 final with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over countryman Mario Ancic on Saturday.

Source: Associated Press

French qualifier Sebastien de Chaunac saw his heroic run end in the quarter finals of the Open 13 in Marseille, as Mario Ancic recorded a 7-6 6-3 victory. The Croatian, also unseeded, took an epic opening-set tie-break 13-11 to oust de Chaunac, who beat top seed Guillermo Coria in the opening round.

Third seed Joachim Johansson, the highest ranked player left in the event, beat Karol Beck 6-4 6-4.

Other seeds Ivan Ljubicic and Feliciano Lopez also progressed to the last four.

Source: bbc.co.uk

Fifth seed and defending champion Dominik Hrbaty crashed out however, losing out to 2004 Wimbledon semifinalist Mario Ancic, 6-3, 7-5. Ancic hit 14 aces and advanced in 1 hour, 13 minutes. He is now 3-2 lifetime against Hrbaty, having won their last three meetings.

Source: atptennis.com

HRBATY, winner of the 2004's Edition of the Open 13, wasn't focused tonight. It wasn't the player we are used to see. Young Mario ANCIC was definitively the man of the match, with a powerful service and a good backhand, he dominated HRBATY in the first set (6-3). The second set was more intense, intense 'til the last ball where all the Palais des Sports vibrated with ANCIC. He won 7-5, we are happy for him but sorry for HBRATY who is a great and nice player. Good luck Mario and we hope to see Dominik next year !

Source: Open13 official news

Thanks to Joycelovemario

Third seed Mario Ancic is also out, beaten 6-4 4-6 7-6 (7-3) by Ukrainian qualifier Sergyi Stakhovsky.

Stakhovsky, who was beaten by Britain's Andy Murray in last year's US Open boys' final, is playing in only his third ATP tournament.

"I had never seen him in action. He served very well and took advantage of every possible situation," Ancic said.

Source: news.bbc.co.uk

Mario will play Open 13 in Marseille next. Thanks to Anda and Pernille

MILAN, Italy -- Third-seeded Mario Ancic of Croatia used 17 aces to beat Bohdan Ulihrach of the Czech Republic 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of the Milan Indoors on Tuesday.


"I served very good and didn't give him too many chances on my serve," said Ancic, last year's runner-up.

He came directly from the Australian Open, where he lost to eventual champion Marat Safin in the third round.

http://www.sportsline.com

Last year's runner-up, No. 3 seed Mario Ancic, defeated Czech Bohdan Ulihrach today in a close two-set victory 6-4, 7-5. Ancic, the 20 year-old Croat, served 17 aces and never faced a breakpoint in a match that lasted only 1 hour and 13 minutes.

Ancic: "I have great memories from last year, I played some of my best tennis last year here. It's a different schedule this year, I've come directly from Australia and it's a much faster surface"

On his serve: "I served very good (today) and didn't give him too many chances on my serve, I could've returned a bit better but no complaints."

Source: ATPtennis.com

Thanks to Joycelovemario @ Mario Ancic Forum

Russia's Marat Safin dropped his first set of the tournament but kept his temper in check to beat rising star Mario Ancic in the Australian Open today.

Safin had cruised through the opening two rounds in Melbourne but was given a tougher test by Croatian Ancic, who defeated Britain's Tim Henman on his way to the Wimbledon semi-final last year.

The fourth seed occasionally threatened to repeat some of his legendary racket breaking feats - he once smashed 68 in one season - but maintained his cool long enough to complete a 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4 third round victory.

Safin was on court for more than 21 hours during the championships last year, playing a record-equalling 30 sets before losing out to Roger Federer in the final.

"I'm much more comfortable right now than I was last year because I had a lot of tough matches in the first week," admitted Safin. "This week is a little bit easier.

"I'm playing a little bit smarter, and I'm just trying to save my time on the court and try to keep it as short as I can because it's a long tournament and there is no need to waste energy on something you don't have to.

"I'm getting older. Soon I am going to be a quarter of a century in this world. That's a big number!

"I'm trying to save myself as long as I can, try to keep myself calm on the court also because against these kind of players, like Ancic, you go crazy and you might never come back.

"It's difficult, of course. If somebody's judging you and saying 'It's not correct, it's not right, you should behave this way,' of course you have to improve in a better way. But also you have to pass through this stage.

"I think I passed it and I'm much calmer. It's okay. It's my past. I have to live with that. It wasn't so bad. I don't regret anything I did before, nothing, zero, because it had to happen to be here. If it would be a different way, I might not be here at all."

Safin will face Olivier Rochus in the fourth round after the diminutive Belgian defeated Slovakia's Karol Beck in four sets.

Third Round:
(4) Marat Safin (Rus) bt (28) Mario Ancic (Cro) 6-4 3-6 6-3 6-4

Second Round:
(28) Mario Ancic (Cro) bt Bjorn Phau (Ger) 7-5 6-2 6-1

First Round:
(28) Mario Ancic (Cro) bt Oscar Hernandez (Spa) 6-3 6-2 6-1