Five Minutes with Ivan Ljubicic

Marking his third year in the Shanghai Masters, Croatian tennis champion Ivan Ljubicic is back in town for the annual tournament. Ljubicic is sponsored by Li-Ning, China’s premiere sporting goods company. The current number 37 seed sat down with Talk to discuss the upcoming tournament, what it is like to be sponsored by a Chinese company and how living in a refugee camp when he was a teenager affected his game.

You’ve had good luck in China in years past, and 2011 has been a good year for you so far. What are your expectations for this tournament?

I have always played well in China. I had some of my best matches there. Conditions in Beijing and Shanghai suit my game perfectly, and I am really enjoying playing there.

How has your audience and fans changed over the course of your career?

I feel that the older I get, the better people get to know me and appreciate my game, effort and attitude on the court. So I enjoy showing it more and more.

You were one of the first big-name celebrities to sign on with the Li Ning brand. What motivated you to sign up with a Chinese brand?

I recognised very early that Li Ning had high expectations to become one of the biggest worldwide companies in sport and their motivation to get better all the time matches my motivation. That's why I signed with them.

What is the most memorable game of your career?

It is almost impossible to take out one match between all those I have played. I can only say that the Olympic medal and Davis Cup victory were the most memorable as a team effort and Indian Wells title as an individual title.

As someone who is constantly travelling for work, what is the one thing you need on the road with you?

Obviously, family is the most important thing in life, but if they are not able to travel with me then I guess internet. It is something that is essential these days to still be able to share everything with them even when they are not physically with me

When you were 13, you had to flee to a refugee camp to escape the war in Bosnia & Herzegovina. How did the experience of living in a refugee camp shape the person and player you’ve become?

I guess it helped me to understand better what the important things are in life. Honestly, I don't think too much about it anymore, but I am sure that it has influenced my personality a lot.

You’re 33 years old. Are you considering retirement?

The age is not what makes you think of retirement. I feel it’s always the body that sends you signs when it’s time. My body is still okay, but I feel it is harder now then five years ago to stay fit and healthy. So at the moment I am still very much an active player.

WIN! TALK is giving away two pairs of tickets to the opening match of the 2011 ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Shanghai. Email [email protected] with the name of the winner of last year’s tournament for your chance to win!