It was impossible to hit the ball because it bounced below knee level," Ljubicic discusses the changing playing conditions at Wimbledon
Ivan Ljubicic, known for his powerful serve and one-handed backhand, never managed to master the grass and Wimbledon, where he at best reached the third round three times (2006, 2007, and 2011).
The former world No. 3 spoke to Ubitennis about the difficulties he encountered on grass and the difference with the current surface that Wimbledon offers:
"It's a very special surface. Either you find your footing quickly, or you're in trouble. Throughout my career, it was complicated. I struggled to move, to return, and to serve. I was a very good striker, but I couldn't serve. Moving around is difficult.
But today's grass is tailored for the counter-attacking game: those who hit and approach the net don't go very far in the tournament. The balls bounce higher and much more consistently. I remember that in my day, during the early days of the tournament, it was almost impossible to hit the ball. It bounced below knee level. Today, it bounces like on hard courts.
Wimbledon 
Davis Cup: between reforms, criticism and national culture 
When tennis stars change courts: from Noah the singer to Safin the deputy, another match – the battle of reinvention 
As a laboratory for tomorrow’s tennis, does the Next Gen Masters have a future? 
Tennis: the little-known truths about the offseason, between rest, stress and physical survival 