Goran Prpic Resigns as Croatian Davis Cup Captain

Written by: Staff on 20th November 2011

Goran Prpic Resigns as Croatian Davis Cup Captain

Marin Cilic of Croatia (R) celebrates with team captain Goran Prpic (L) as he defeats Rik de Voest of South Africa (unseen) in his reverse singles match on the final day of the Davis Cup World Group Play-off between South Africa and Croatia in Potchefstroom, 150km west of Johannesburg, South Africa, 18 September 2011. Cilic beat De Voest 6-4 6-2 6-4 to clinch the play-off for Croatia to remain in the World Group. EPA/JON HRUSA |

(Above: Marin Cilic and Goran Prpic)

Like its equally successful Balkan neighbor Serbia, which has replaced its federation boss, Croatian Davis Cup tennis is undergoing a sifting of emphasis, marked by the surprise resignation of longtime captain Goran Prpic.

The former player from the 1990s era who always stood in the shadow of flamboyant 2001 Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanisevic stepped down for unknown reasons, with the national federation giving nothing away in the affair.

Prpic was in charge of the Davis Cup side for four years and also worked with the country’s women for more than a decade.

The exit leaves 2005 Davis champion Croatia searching for a skipper in time to pull together a team for the February 10-12 first-round Davis tie against Japan.

Smart thinking indicates that popular national tennis hero Ivanisevic will now step into the prestige post. The new captain will face the same limitations as did Prpic, who was unable to call upon veteran Ivan Ljubicic – he has retired from Davis Cup – and must count on the intermittent form of available players including Marin Cilic and newcomer Ivan Dodig.

Ivanisevic holds the record for most Croatian doubles wins with a 13-5 record.

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”

Topics: Goran Prpic, Marin Cilic