There are various reasons why tourists come to Croatia, but our interviewee today has a particularly interesting story. He visited us for the first time in 2003, while he was still playing tennis professionally. And he remembers that visit because he “broke down” on the tennis court in Hvar and got acquainted with the healthcare system of the Republic of Croatia.
And you won’t believe it, we did our best to enable people to go around and say: “Where are you going to Croatia? It’s a haunted country, dreams are broken there and hospitals are in the seventh circle of hell.” And what did he do? Found a wife and came to Croatia and Hvar with her.
McCasey Smith today, you won’t believe it, he is a doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation from Kansas City, in the American state of Missouri. And even though he traveled all over the world and can travel wherever he wants, the man returned to Croatia.
Reading his answers, you might be surprised by his impression of our healthcare; please note that this is a doctor from the United States of America. However, his view of Hvar is perhaps the most valuable information that the gentleman shared. No, no, but his opinion about Croats might surprise you the most. Do you see us like that? Is that how you see yourself?
You came to Hvar for the first time in 2003 for a tennis tournament, but your journey took a completely unexpected turn when you ended up in the hospital after an injury. What happened and what do you remember most from that experience?
– I came to Croatia in August 2003 with my colleague from the college tennis team, Matt Daly. We met up with a mutual friend in Zagreb and trained there for about a week. After that we went to the first tournament. I played pretty well but lost a tough match despite playing well.
I was looking forward to the performance in Hvar because it was played on a clay surface, which suited my playing style. I remember there was a rain delay that day, and when we finally got on the court, I was hitting the ball really well. I felt very comfortable on the court because I was leading 6:1, 4:1.
I ran after one ball close to the net and the edge of the court was very soft. My foot sank into the ground, I lost my balance and fell forward onto the concrete edge of the field, hitting my right forearm. I knew right away that the injury was serious, but I was hoping to somehow finish the match because I only needed six more points, and then I planned to rest.
Unfortunately, when I tried to serve, I felt excruciating pain in my hand. I knew I could not continue and requested medical help from the tournament organizers. The tournament director was primarily concerned about my health and safety and organized private transportation for me to the ferry to Split with a person accompanying me.
Everything was like a blur because one moment I was playing great tennis and convincingly leading, and the next moment I couldn’t use my right hand and ended up in the hospital.
How did the Croatian doctors, nurses and emergency services greet you then? Was there anything that particularly impressed you in their professionalism or humanity?
– From the moment I entered the hospital, I was impressed by the care and compassion shown to me by the doctors and nurses. I remember that my phone couldn’t send messages or make calls to the United States, so I couldn’t contact my family. A staff member gave me his phone so I could call the family and let them know what had happened.
I was also worried that the situation was quite complex, and one of my biggest fears was that I wouldn’t fully understand what was going on because of the language barrier. However, I was impressed by the fact that all the staff members who worked with me spoke excellent English and kept me updated regularly while we waited for the results of the x-rays.
I was also very worried about the cost of the doctor’s examination, x-rays, transportation and hospital stay. I didn’t have much money because I was playing at the lower levels of professional tennis at the time, and knowing how expensive health care is in the United States, I was very worried.
I was speechless because of the generosity of the people around me because all expenses were covered either by the hospital or the Croatian Tennis Association.
More than twenty years later, you decided to return to Croatia and Hvar with your wife. What prompted you to return?
– People often asked me which were my favorite places that I visited, and Croatia was always at the very top of that list.
My wife and I were talking about a trip to celebrate her birthday, and she wanted to see first hand how beautiful this country is. That’s why we decided to come again and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and wonderful people.
How different is it to experience Croatia as a tourist compared to arriving as a professional athlete whose only focus is competition?
– I talked to my wife about that difference. Basically, my first visit was a business trip. We enjoyed the view of the coast, but the main focus was good sleep, quality training and proper nutrition. You are always thinking about the next match and the next tournament.
When you come back as a tourist, you have a lot more freedom to explore the islands and towns as the day goes on. If someone recommends a winery or a beach, you can go and explore without rushing because your time is entirely your own.
What was your fondest memory during this visit to Hvar?
– Every moment on Hvar was as magical as it was 23 years ago. We especially enjoyed the tour of the island with Luka and the visit to the winery. We hired a private boat and visited Paklene otoke and Vis.
We loved running along the sea early in the morning and enjoying the amazing views. But perhaps the most beautiful thing was sitting on the balcony and watching the ships enter and leave the port. In many ways, experiencing Hvar means experiencing the world as it was 500 years ago.
What surprised you the most in Croatia today compared to the country you first visited in 2003?
– Croatia has remained the same in many respects, but it has developed over time. Since my first arrival, many new facilities and infrastructure have been built. Today, many more visitors come here than in 2003. And the prices are certainly much higher than when I was a professional tennis player. But the people and the landscape are just as beautiful as they were 23 years ago.
When you look back on your tennis career, what moments and achievements are you most proud of?
– During my career, I achieved many important victories, including against Jean-Julien Rojer, who later won three Grand Slam titles in the doubles competition.
I am also proud of winning my first Futures tournament in La Paz, Bolivia.
One of the moments of which I am particularly proud happened in Salvador in 2003, when I changed the decision of the linesman who declared the ball out on the match ball. In the end I lost that match, but I was proud because I showed sportsmanship and played fair.
One of the most surreal moments of my career was playing for the Kansas City Explorers, a professional team from my hometown. As a boy, I was a ball collector at their matches, and in 2006, just before going to medical school, I played for them.
In the team at that time was also Caroline Wozniackiand I had the opportunity to play mixed doubles with her.
Professional tennis has taken you around the world. Of all the places you’ve visited, what makes a destination special enough to make you want to return decades later?
– Croatia has incredible people, a wonderful climate and unforgettable landscapes. While the country is just as beautiful as many others I’ve visited, the people are even better. Croats are very educated and friendly and have a positive energy that is contagious. You can feel how proud they are of their country.
What life lessons has tennis taught you about dealing with setbacks, injuries and tough times?
– Tennis has taught me more than I can describe in words. He taught me perseverance. He taught me humility. He taught me discipline and renunciation. It also taught me that sometimes things don’t go the way you want, but it’s important to keep going.
But one of the most important lessons was realizing that there are amazing people all over the world who will help you when you need help the most. During my travels, I had several moments when I desperately needed such help. Since then, I try to be a person who will help others when they find themselves in need.
After visiting Croatia again more than two decades later, what message would you send to people who have never been here and are thinking about coming?
– I experienced Croatia from two completely different perspectives. The first time, I didn’t know what to expect and I was amazed by the beauty of the country and the energy of its people. The second time I came with the highest possible expectations, and every moment was even better than I imagined. I would recommend anyone who is thinking about traveling to Croatia to come as soon as possible. My wife and I are already talking about coming again as this is truly a unique experience. If you are lucky enough to visit Croatia, it will forever occupy a special place in your heart.
