Tennis News: Ivo Karlovic awarded wild card at Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championship
World number 174, Croat Ivo Karlovic is awarded a wild card entry in the 2011 Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championship at Newport, Rhode Island.
Campbell’s Hall of Fame Championship is held at International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport every year since 1976. The tournament will be hosted July 4-10, 2011 on grass courts and is the last grass court tournament of the season.
As it is held right after the Wimbledon, the top seeds are usually lower ranked.
The 32-year-old Karlovic is awarded a wild card in this 32 players main draw event. He made a comeback this season January after ruling out of action since May last year due to Achilles heel injury. The Croat made a quarter-final
berth at Doha on his return but then his form dipped as he was ousted from the opening round at Zagreb, Memphis and Delray Beach. However, he reformed and showed tremendous skills at Indian Wells, ATP World Tour Masters 1000 event, where he reached the quarter-finals
after upsetting players like 6th ranked Spaniard David Ferrer, 31st ranked French Gilles Simon and 26th ranked Spaniard Albert Montanes in straight sets. Karlovic lost to the eventual finalist, world number one Rafael Nadal
in troublesome three sets.
The 6’10” Croat finished the top 75 for seventh time in past eight years. He is the tallest player at ATP World Tour events and he takes full advantage of it by firing tricky shots and aiming perfect tact to move his opponent all
over the court.
The four times singles champion on ATP world tours, Karlovic is in great form in the ongoing US Men’s Clay Court Championship at Houston as well. He upset 5thseeded German Benjamin Becker in the opening round and then
triumphed over Russian Igor Kunitsyn with a breadstick. He will next face 6’9” John Isner and he can easily overcome the 4th seeded American if he maintains his form.
"With his incredible power, Ivo is an exciting player to watch, and I know the fans in Newport will enjoy seeing him compete," said Tournament Director Mark L. Stenning. "It's been great to see him make a comeback after his injury,
and we're pleased to welcome him to Newport this summer."
Also taking part in this ATP Rhode Island is the American number one, Mardy Fish, the defending Champion in the tournament. The Rising star American teenager Ryan Harrison will also be scheduled in the ATP World Tour 250 event.
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