Doha, Qatar (SportsNetwork.com) – Towering Croat Ivo Karlovic stunned
world No. 1 star Novak Djokovic in Thursday’s quarterfinal action
at the season-opening $1.22 million Qatar Open.
The 6-foot-10 Karlovic, the tallest player in the history of the ATP World
Tour, served his way past the Wimbledon champion Djokovic in a 6-7 (2-7), 7-6
(8-6), 6-4 decision in 2 hours, 15 minutes on the hardcourts at Khalifa
International Tennis Complex.
“Dr. Ivo” swatted 21 aces, including four straight to close out the final game
of the match. Karlovic recorded the only break of serve in the bout in the
final set on Day 4.
Karlovic is now 2-1 lifetime against Djokovic, including a perfect 2-0 on
hardcourts.
Also on Thursday, fourth-seeded Spanish veteran David Ferrer whipped German
Dustin Brown 6-2, 6-2 to set-up a semifinal affair with Karlovic on Friday.
Doha serves as a tune-up for the Australian Open.
