ZAGREB, Croatia -- Thousands of dancing and flag-waving Croatians celebrated in the street -- and some dived into harbors -- to mark the Wimbledon victory of native son Goran Ivanisevic.

People from all over the country, many draped in the national colors of red, white and blue, sat motionless and weeping before TV screens Monday as Ivanisevic completed his five-set victory over Patrick Rafter.

"Never has Goran played such quality tennis in his life," longtime sports commentator, Mico Dusanovic howled in a live broadcast. "This is the match of his life. Don't hold back the tears."

In the southern coastal city of Split, the hometown of the 29-year-old player, fans raced from cafes broadcasting the match and plunged into the harbor waters. Others climbed on top of moving cars, waving flags and banners.

And the jubilation will only grow Tuesday when about 100,000 fans are expected to welcome Ivanisevic when he returns to Split.

"He wanted this more than anything in the world," Ivanisevic's mother, Gorana, told a local station, her voice trembling.

"Nothing would have been the same in his life had he not won the title this time."

Ivanisevic had been a runner-up at Wimbledon three times -- to Andre Agassi (1992) and Pete Sampras (1994, 1998). Now, after his 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 victory, he became the only wild card to win the title.

Local radio stations joined the euphoria, blaring triumphant music.

"He's stubborn and he frustrates us to the edge with his gambling style of tennis," said tennis fan Marko Ivkovic, his voice worn out from three hours of cheering. "But he is ours the way he is, and we will always love him to death."

Prime Minister Ivica Racan sent a telegram addressed to "Croatia's greatest sporting ambassador."

"We are marveled by your determination, energy and strength of will, which sets a good example to all of us," a government statement quoted Racan as saying.

Boris Cavka, one of Ivanisevic's trainers, spoke of the gripping end to the match.

"Goran earned this title with blood, sweat and tears," Cavka said. "His entire tennis career stood on that last match point."