Greatest Serbian Tennis Players

The Stylish Athlete

Ana Ivanovic was born on 6th of November in 1987. She took birth in Belgrade city of Serbia, Yugoslavia. Previously, she held the no. 1 position among the Serbian tennis players. In 2011, her rank in Women’s Tennis Association is 17. She won the 2008 French open by beating Dinara Safina. In 2007 French open and 2008 Australian open, she became the first runner up in the singles category.

Ivanovic’s mother Dragana is a lawyer by profession. She used to encourage her daughter to play tennis, since childhood. Dragana attended most of her daughter’s match. Ana’s father is a self employed businessman. His name is Miroslav. Ivanovic has a younger brother, whose name is Milos. Her favorite pastime is to play basketball with her brother.

Ana Ivanovic studies finance at University of Belgrade. She also learns Spanish, when she is free. Ana was announced UNICEF National Ambassador, who would represent Serbia along side Jelena Jankovic, Emir Kusturica and Aleksander Dordevic. She also promotes child education and child protection. She often visits different schools in Serbia and interacts with kids.

Monica Seles played a vital role in Ana’s life. Monica was her greatest inspiration. She used to watch her play tennis for Yugoslavia on television set. From the early days of her life, she was attracted towards tennis. When she was 5 years old, Ana picked up a tennis racket for the first time. She was very passionate about the particular sport, since childhood and used to watch almost all the matches on the television sets. At that time, there was a war situation in the country. To avoid bombardments, she had to practice tennis in a hidden place. Later she disclosed that she was trained in a dry swimming pool, during the winter months. When she was 15years old, her manager was Dan Holzmann. One day her manager found Anna crying in her locker room after a defeat. Later it was disclosed, that Ivanovic used to cry for 4 long hours in her locker room, after a defeat. She was afraid that her manager would drop her and she could never become a tennis player by profession.

Nike sponsored Ana Ivanovic, at the beginning of her tennis career. In 2006, Adidas became the new sponsors of Ana. Later she became an ambassador for Adidas Company and a lifetime contract was made. She is the youngest athlete both male and female, who has signed such a long term contract. Ana began her career with Wilson rackets. But, now she uses Yonex Ezone model 100 racket.

Ana Ivanovic is regarded as an offensive baseliner. Serve is the most powerful weapon of Ana. Her fastest serve is 201.0km/hr at 2007 French Open and it is recorded as the fifth highest in WTA. She has also got a powerful forehand. Ana Ivanovic is 6 feet 1inch tall, which is a good woman height. Clay court is her best surface, where her height gives her extra advantage to play the extra bounces. But, she can also play well in hard and grass courts.

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