Ivanisevic too expensive, says Croatian federation
The Croatian Tennis Federation (HTS) said on Friday that it had turned down an offer from 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic to become the country's Davis Cup captain due to financial reasons.
- Agence France-Presse
- Updated: December 17, 2011 09:41 AM IST
The Croatian Tennis Federation (HTS) said on Friday that it had turned down an offer from 2001 Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic to become the country's Davis Cup captain due to financial reasons.
Ivanisevic, who retired from tennis in 2004, asked for "100,000 euros ($130,000) per year" to lead the team, the HTS said in a statement, quoted by the online edition of Vecernji list daily.
"With all respect for the reputation, authority and professionalism of Goran Ivanisevic, the federation could not accept the offer," the statement said, adding that a new coach will be appointed in April.
The HTS, however, did accept Ivanisevic's offer to "voluntarily lead" the team through the first round of the 2012 Davis Cup World Group on February 10-12, when Croatia face Japan.
Croatia lifted the Davis Cup for the first time in their history in 2005 and reached the quarter-finals in 2010.
They preserved their World Group status by beating South Africa 4-1 in the play-offs in September.
Meanwhile, former WTA professional Iva Majoli was appointed the captain of Croatia's Fed Cup team for February matches in the first group of zone Europe/Africa.
Goran Prpic stepped down in November as captain of Croatia's Davis Cup and Fed Cup teams.