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Mario AncicTennis player
Date of Birth: 30.03.1984
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Tennis player
- Childhood in Split
- The Tennis Prodigy
- Rise in the Tennis World
- Challenges and Comebacks
- Family and Support
- The Road to Success
Tennis player
Mario Ancic, a tennis player who battled mononucleosis a year ago, is gradually making a comeback in the tour. His remarkable determination and dedication to tennis is evident in his recent victory over Andy Murray in Miami on his birthday. Ancic, the heir to a $30 million fortune, has shown his loyalty to the sport despite the challenges he has faced.

Childhood in Split
It is astonishing to think about the courage of Mario Ancic's parents, who brought him to the Split tennis club in the midst of the Croatian-Serbian war in 1991. Just a kilometer away from where young Mario was practicing, a Serbian "SKAD" exploded. Thankfully, this was the extent of his exposure to the war. After a ceasefire was reached in November, Mario returned to his normal life and focused on tennis.

The Tennis Prodigy
Mario Ancic was born in a neighborhood known for producing tennis prodigies, Firule Street. This street has seen the birth of several tennis stars, including Niki Pilic, Zeljko Franulovic, Marko Ostoja, and Goran Ivanisevic. Mario grew up in house number 39, and it was there that he crossed paths with Ivanisevic. They had been acquaintances due to their proximity, but it wasn't until Mario's father reached out to Ivanisevic that they began training together. Little did they know that years later, Mario would be hailed as Ivanisevic's successor and be compared to him as a more reliable and technically skilled player.

Rise in the Tennis World
At the age of 13, Mario Ancic went to the Nick Bollettieri Academy, where he impressed everyone with his skills. Bollettieri said, "He can come to the net, has great groundstrokes, a strong serve, and feels comfortable anywhere on the court. With this kind of game, if he plays to his full potential, he can beat anyone." Mario's breakthrough came in 2002 when, as an 18-year-old qualifier, he defeated seventh-seeded Roger Federer in his debut match on Wimbledon's Centre Court. This victory led Boris Becker to declare, "The future of tennis has arrived, and his name is Ancic."

Challenges and Comebacks
Despite his initial success, Mario Ancic struggled to maintain his performance and faced various injuries and health issues. In 2006 and 2007, he battled back injuries, a leg injury from skiing, and the effects of mononucleosis. Mono affected his physical abilities and forced him to take a ten-week break from tennis. However, Mario's determination and support from his family and coaches kept him on the tennis path.

Family and Support
Mario Ancic comes from a family where tennis runs in their blood. His older brother, Ivica Ancic, was a professional tennis player but is now more focused on yachting. His younger sister, Sanya, was once ranked among the top junior players but now has other interests. Despite his family's support and financial resources, Mario remains committed to tennis and continues to work with coaches who believe in his potential.

The Road to Success
Currently, Mario Ancic is making progress in his career. In the 2021 season, he reached the final in Marseille, the semifinals in Zagreb, and put up a strong fight against Ferrero in Indian Wells. He recently celebrated his birthday with a victory over Andy Murray in Miami. His coach, Fredrik Rosengren, is confident that Mario will return to the elite level. Mario himself credits his patience and perseverance to the "Iron Duke" Wellington. With his love for serve-and-volley, Mario is determined to succeed in the sport he is so passionate about.
