Goran grabs the glory at Wimbledon

London - Goran Ivanisevic wrote a new page of Wimbledon history on Monday by becoming the first wildcard ever to lift a Grand Slam singles title, beating Australian third seed Pat Rafter 6-3 3-6 6-3 2-6 9-7.

The 29-year-old, who had virtually disappeared from view over the past two seasons after a miserable run of injury and loss of form, not only celebrated his first Grand Slam title at the 48th attempt but also vaulted back into the world top ten with his 22nd career title.

Just as importantly he snapped a dreadful run of bad luck here, having previously lost three finals at the All England Club in 1992, 1994 and 1998.

Ivanisevic, from Split, pocketed £500 000 (about R5,28-million) for his win with Rafter, losing his second successive final, picking up half that sum.

The only man to lose four men's Wimbledon finals without taking the crown was Australian Ken Rosewall - and Ivanisevic was determined not to join him.

His win made him only the second Croatian to win a Slam title following Iva Majoli at the 1997 women's French Open. - apa-AFP