Ivanisevic called up for military service

Croatia's Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic has been drafted for six month's military service but will be able to continue his professional career and play in tournaments abroad, the defence ministry said on Friday.

The national sports icon received the call-up on his 30th birthday -- on Thursday -- the legal deadline for completing the regular conscript service.

Unlike other Croatians who have to serve by the age of 27, top sportsmen are given three more years.

They are drafted into the so-called "sports squad", serving under a special regime that allows them to practice and continue professional careers.

"It was okay. My hearing is fine, but my sight is bad," Ivanisevic, who has been considering wearing contact lenses, told Jutarnji List daily about the medical check-up he had to pass as part of the recruitment.

A defence ministry official said Ivanisevic would start his service in November and finish in May, at least one month ahead of next year's Wimbledon.

Ivanisevic said he had resumed training after recently injuring his foot. His next test will come in a Davis Cup world group qualifying round against Italy on September 21.