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By Alexandra Willis
6 March 2011
Ivo Karlovic, the long-limbed Croatian known for being the tallest player on the men’s tennis tour, has set a new record for the fastest serve delivery in official competition. Karlovic, competing for Croatia in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas in Zagreb, delivered a serve of 156 mph (251kph) during Croatia’s doubles rubber against Germany in the Croatian capital.
It is the fastest delivery on the men’s tour since Andy Roddick hit a serve of 155mph (249.4kph) against Vladimir Volchkov in 2004, also while competing in Davis Cup.
The Croat, whose height of 6ft 10ins enables him to serve at a unique trajectory, has achieved several other accolades in the serving department. In 2007, he finished the year with an astonishing 1,318 aces, the most in a season since compatriot Goran Ivanisevic served 1,477 in 1996. Thought to be the shy, retiring type, he has also recently become a twitter sensation, entertaining fans with his surprisingly witty posts.
Karlovic’s achievement was officially confirmed as a new world record by the International Tennis Federation today.
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