Seven-time Grand Slam champion admits what was unusual about his career after he retires from tennis

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Another ATP Tour season is winding down, with only the Davis Cup and the NextGen ATP Finals remaining in the men’s calendar.

Carlos Alcaraz is the year-end number one on the ATP Tour, with the Spaniard deciding against finishing his 2025 season at the Davis Cup.

His closest rival Jannik Sinner isn’t playing the Davis Cup either, with the duo set to enjoy time off before returning in early 2026.

But one player that won’t return next season is Ivan Dodig, who has retired from tennis, having confirmed in September that 2025 would be his last year.

Ivan Dodig makes unusual career admission after he retires from tennis

Now 40 years old, the Croatian told the ATP Tour website of his career: “Usually players break Top 100 at the age 20, 21. I broke Top 100 [when I was] almost 24.

“But after that, I stayed there for a long time, for 15, 16 years. I achieved a lot of things, and played so much tennis in singles and doubles.

“So it’s a quite long career for me, and I’m really happy about it and really had a good time all these years.”

Dodig also issued a heartwarming statement following his retirement, sharing one wish for future generations.

He said: “I hope that through my sports career that I motivated some kids to find a way and to search for their dreams.

“Hopefully they can also look to achieve their dreams and if I motivated them a little bit, I’m very proud and happy.

“I always gave everything on the tennis court – for myself, for my family, for the community and for the people who love tennis and will try to be professional. I gave everything into it and I’m very happy and satisfied.”

Ivan Dodig’s career achievements after his tennis retirement

The admirable comments should help pave the way for some future stars, along with his efforts on the court.

Dodig clinched one ATP singles title during his career, but will, of course, be remembered more fondly for his doubles efforts.

He won 24 titles and rose all the way to number two in the world rankings, with 475 matches won during his career.

That includes three Grand Slam doubles titles and four mixed doubles titles, along with an Olympic doubles silver medal for Croatia.

The huge honor arrived in Japan alongside Marin Cilic, with whom he also lifted the Davis Cup trophy in 2018.

He has since become the captain of the Croatian Davis Cup team, while a stunning win over Rafael Nadal in Canada is also on his CV.