Honoring Ivan Dodig’s Retirement: “I Gave My All”
ATPTour.com has a heartfelt conversation with the Croatian star about his journey.
Published on November 21, 2025
Photo Credit: ATP Tour/Getty Images
Ivan Dodig reached a career-high No. 29 in the PIF ATP Rankings and No. 2 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings.
By Andrew Eichenholz
On February 6, 2011, Ivan Dodig struck an ace that led him to his inaugural ATP Tour singles title before his home crowd in Zagreb — or so he believed.
Dodig jubilantly tossed his racket into the stands and approached the net, only to be informed by chair umpire Cedric Mourier that the point was a let.
“I was in disbelief,” Dodig recalled to ATPTour.com. “It was a chaotic moment; I had to ask someone to return my racket. I ended losing the next point, and suddenly it was Deuce. Somehow, I managed to seal the match. Had I lost, it would have been catastrophic!”
Instead, he triumphed with a 6-3, 6-4 victory, marking the only singles trophy of his illustrious tour career. Over the past 15 years, Dodig has made a significant mark in the tennis world, achieving a career-high of No. 29 in the PIF ATP Rankings and No. 2 in the PIF ATP Doubles Rankings, while clinching 24 doubles titles. And now, at 40, he bids farewell.
“At the start of the year, I started weighing my options. As months passed, the decision became clearer to me, and the people closest to me were aware that this would be my final year,” Dodig explained. “While I didn’t focus too much on it initially, I eventually found the moment to share it with my closest friends.”
Having achieved much in both singles and doubles, Dodig felt it was the right moment to retire.
“Most players break into the Top 100 at age 20 or 21. I made it at nearly 24 and managed to stay for 15 to 16 years,” he noted. “I’m grateful for my achievements and the fulfilling tennis journey I enjoyed throughout these years.”
Originating from Medjugorje, Bosnia and Herzegovina — the same hometown as former World No. 3 Marin Cilic — Dodig is almost four years older, yet their bond spans years of friendship.
Their town is better known for pilgrimage than sports, but growing up, Goran Ivanisevic was their sole tennis hero on television.
“That’s where our love for tennis blossomed,” Dodig reminisced.
Cilic pursued his dreams early, moving to Zagreb to train under Bob Brett, eventually conquering the 2014 US Open but never forgetting his roots. Together, they secured a silver medal in men’s doubles at the Tokyo Olympics.
“We share a remarkable journey, one that stands apart from many others. We motivated countless kids in our region to embrace tennis, and it’s heartening to see their enthusiasm today,” Dodig shared proudly.
In the same year he won in Zagreb, Dodig shocked then-World No. 2 Rafael Nadal with a stunning three-set victory at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada. He also notched victories against notable players like Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Milos Raonic, and Cilic, along with Kei Nishikori.
“I had a fulfilling singles career filled with tremendous victories and memories,” Dodig reflected.
Transitioning primarily to doubles due to back issues, Dodig played his last singles match in July 2017. His accomplishments in doubles include three major titles: Roland Garros in 2015 with Marcelo Melo, the 2021 Australian Open with Filip Polasek, and the 2023 Roland Garros with Austin Krajicek. He also clinched six Masters 1000 titles and participated in the Nitto ATP Finals nine times with various partners: Melo, Marcel Granollers, Polasek, and Krajicek.
“It was a wise decision to switch to doubles,” Dodig stated. “It extended my career for an additional seven to eight years, filled with exceptional moments alongside fantastic partners.”
Krajicek, who partnered Dodig to claim Year-End ATP Doubles No. 1 honors in 2023, remarked: “What an extraordinary career he’s had. He’s been a source of inspiration for many, and I hold immense respect for him. Playing beside him felt like family, and I cherish the moments we shared.”
Dodig hopes his legacy inspires future players: “I aim to motivate kids to pursue their dreams through my journey. If I have sparked even a little inspiration, I feel proud. I poured my heart and soul into the sport — for myself, my family, my community, and everyone who loves tennis. I leave with a heart full of satisfaction.”
