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Ivan Ljubicic retires in tears at Monte Carlo Masters

Ljubicic retires in tears at Monte Carlo Masters
© PA Photos
Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic retires from the professional game of tennis following his first-round exit in Monte Carlo.

Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic has bid an emotional farewell to the professional game of tennis after exiting the Monte Carlo Masters in the first round.

The 33-year-old lost out 6-0 6-3 to fellow countryman Ivan Dodig but admitted that his head wasn't really focused on the game.

"It was a tough day for me, on the court and off," said Ljubicic. "I had my mind everywhere else except on the tennis court. Obviously I'm completely out of shape. I don't even think it makes any sense to talk about the match today.

"I have to say that I felt like it could end up emotionally but I didn't expect these big emotions really. It's the end of something beautiful for me. It's been 20 years and now it's time to do something else."

Ljubicic's best result at a grand slam was reaching the French Open semi-final in 2006; he reached a career-high ranking of three in the same year.

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