Dragutin Surbek 1946-2018

Baal · Jul 15, 2018

Dragutin Surbek 1946-2018.

One of my heroes growing up passed away yesterday at 71. One of the greats. As a kid I tried to model my game after the way he played. I only saw one bit of film (no YouTube then) so it wasn't easy. But he was powerful from both sides, never gave up on a point or a match, and played with true panache. Makes me really sad.

yoass · Jul 15, 2018

Baal said:
One of my heroes growing up passed away yesterday at 71. One of the greats. As a kid I tried to model my game after the way he played. I only saw one bit of film (no YouTube then) so it wasn't easy. But he was powerful from both sides and played with panache. Makes me really sad.

Thank you Baal.

I have had the privilege of seeing Šurbek play a tournament. I’ve seen him wet-glue his slabs of Sriver before matches and strongly recall the scent.

I don’t think he won that particular tournament, but the one most vivid impression from these matches against Sécretin, Douglas, ‘Tickan’ Carlsson (or was it Lindh?), Potton, Grubba, Kucharski was that deep sound when Šurbek spinned the ball. The sound of ball impacting rubber pushed to its very limits.

That forehand was so mighty and his feet so swift that I don’t recall seeing a single backhand from him.

One of the true greats, for a very long time. Šurbek, Zagreb’s lion. I will remember.

Edit: found it! Description at http://www.archief-zuidwest.nl/public/mixed/Mixed 1982-09 29-06.pdf - Nikon Trophy 1982. Dutch, sorry.

t95mwp · Jul 16, 2018

I knew the man when I was kid growing up in Yugoslavia met him in our small club in 80-s. Rest in Peace and may God almighty have mercy upon you.

Suga D · Jul 16, 2018

Very sad. Thanks for letting us know.
My condolences.
One of my friends was his teammate for a while. They used to play for the same team in Esslingen.

killiegradge · Jul 16, 2018

I was lucky enough to see him play at Euro Top 12 then by chance whilst on a skiing holiday to Kranska Gora (now Slovenia) I bumped into Surbek and Kalinic on a training camp!
RIP the Lion of Zagreb

Suga D · Jul 18, 2018

My friend posted this pic on his FB timeline with condolences.

RIP Tiger of Zagreb

Tinykin · Jul 18, 2018

RIP Mr Surbek

Here's a prized blade from my collection. I was given this blade just a few weeks ago and it's actually brand new, never used, old stock.

violoniste18 · Jul 18, 2018

I remember that blade, very often used in France.

Didn't he play with his son in double ?

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Dragutin Surbek 1946-2018

Baal

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