Former Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic gave an interview to Sport Klub and recalled her complicated beginnings in the tennis world. In addition, the former world number 1 confessed who was the toughest rival and her memories of that incredible Roland Garros from 2008.
“I started playing tennis when I was five. I saw Monica Seles on TV and my father gave me a little tennis racket for my birthday. That’s how I started playing tennis.
It was love at first sight. It was amazing how much I became interested in this sport since no one in my family was into tennis. My father played basketball, my uncle played soccer, but nobody played tennis.
It caught my attention and from the first moment I knew that tennis and I should be together. “When she was 13, she left Serbia to go to Switzerland and realize his dream:” It was a very complicated decision.
I traveled alone because we couldn’t afford to travel with the whole family. Later my mother took part in my travels and helped me a lot. The family suffered a lot from my departure, but I think everyone understood the decision and supported me from the first moment.
The situation in Serbia at that time was not good and so I decided to leave. As a kid, I was always very introverted and I usually didn’t interact with people a lot. Tennis was my world and I was having fun and wasn’t afraid to take this step.
“Ivanovic continues to watch some of the tennis games:” Yesterday morning Bastian and I worked out in the gym and listened to music. When we finished he said, “Why don’t we review some of your best tennis moments?” “I laughed and didn’t answer.
W e saw my game against Kvitova in the 2012 Fed Cup Final. I remembered this game and told Bastian that I usually didn’t see my games. Now that I’m no longer on tour, it’s very strange to see me play again.
Bring up many good memories and feelings. ”
Ana Ivanovic and her success at Roland Garros in 2008
The toughest opponent she faced: “One of the most difficult was Karolina Pliskova. It is very difficult to read her style of play and to be able to adapt to her.
I also remember Patty Schnyder very much, especially the games we played on clay. Finally, she talks about her victory at Roland Garros in 2008: “It is an event that I will remember for a lifetime.
Sand was the surface that best suited my style of play, especially when it came to applying and determining tactics. That’s why I’ve always liked the sand. This Roland Garros was very special to me.
I remember that a year before I could play the final against Justin Henin, despite the loss a year later, I felt like the reigning champion. I will never forget the final against Safina and that last point. ”
