IVANISEVIC'S Porsche smashed in accident

SPLIT, Croatia (AP) _ A pricey Porsche belonging to this year's Wimbledon winner, Goran Ivanisevic, was smashed when his friend lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked car in downtown

Tuesday, July 31st 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

SPLIT, Croatia (AP) _ A pricey Porsche belonging to this year's Wimbledon winner, Goran Ivanisevic, was smashed when his friend lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a parked car in downtown Split, Croatian media reported Tuesday.

Ivanisevic apparently let his friend borrow his Porsche 911 Carrera, which the tennis star reportedly purchased for about dlrs 170,000 in 1995.

The friend, identified as Jozo Dumanic, reportedly was driving at about 150 kilometers (93 miles) per hour when he lost control of the car and crashed into a parked Mercedes, the daily Vecernji list reported. Ivanisevic was not in the car.

No one was injured, but both cars were practically totaled.

According to the sports daily Sportske Novosti, Ivanisevic was furious when he arrived at the scene. He then burst into tears, saying, ``My heart will break!''

Croatian newspapers said the tennis star's luck turned upside down after winning Wimbledon in early July.

First, his signature on a letter denouncing the war crimes prosecution of Croatian generals drew harsh public criticism, then the engine on his boat broke down, forcing him to return from vacation touring the islands of southern Croatia. And now, his Porsche is heading for a lengthy stay at the auto repair shop.