By Sean Bradley
Mario Ancic, the onetime No. 7 in the world, has decided to retire for health reasons. Ancic won 3 ATP World Tour titles and was a Wimbledon semi-finalist in 2004, but due to a glandular fever (mononucleosis), a shoulder injury, thyroid concerns, a stomach virus and a back injury, the 26-year old tennis player is forced to no longer player competitively.
Ancic said of his pending retirement, “I have had to be fair with myself. My mind was fine but my body couldn’t compete and the way tennis is today, well I have to be sensible about it. I tried everything I knew to come back, but I couldn’t do it.”
During his sick leaves, Anic garnered a doctorate in law from his hometown university. He is scheduled to announce his retirement in the same town, Split, Coratia, Wednesday.