Goran Ivanisevic's Grand Slam misery continues as the Croatian agonisingly lost his third Wimbledon men's singles final yesterday, to Pete Sampras. The world number one prevailed for a record-equalling fifth time in an enthralling five set contest, 6-7, 76, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
While the tennis might have been error strewn at times, it failed to dampen the ardour of the Centre Court crowd. The see-saw nature of the contest kept the issue in doubt, although the final outcome lacked the romantic conclusion for which the majority of spectators wished.
Beaten twice in previous finals, losing to Andre Agassi in 1992 and Sampras in '94, Ivanisevic desperately sought a first Grand Slam title but was once again thwarted. He articulated his despair: "It feels bad, I can not describe it. It's the worst moment in my life. I know I have had some bad moments, like when you are sick or when somebody dies. But for me this is the worst thing ever.
"Nobody died . . . yet, but it's tough. Now I have to be motivated to play tennis again."
Sampras's victory allowed him to equal Bjorn Borg's five Wimbledon successes and he joins the great Swede on 11 Grand Slam titles, one behind the all-time record holder Roy Emerson.
