ROQUEBRUNE-CAP-MARTIN, France, April 15 (UPI) -- Ivan Dodig of Croatia bested countryman Ivan Ljubicic Sunday in Monte Carlo, Monaco, following which Ljubicic announced his retirement from tennis.
Dodig downed Ljubicic 6-0, 6-3 in first-round action at the Monte Carlo Masters. Ljubicic then addressed his fans and media in a short ceremony following his loss.
"I had the pleasure to play on this beautiful court again," the Monte Carlo resident said. "I chose this tournament to be my last and I'm very happy that I made that decision."
The Croat is hanging up his racket after 15 years on the ATP Tour, going 10-14 in title matches.
Also Sunday, ninth-seeded Gilles Simon bested Benjamin Balleret 6-3, 6-2 and Viktor Troicki handled Jean-Rene Lisnard 6-3, 6-1.
