http://www.tennisweek.com/features/fullstory.sps?inewsid=2089067 Exclusive Ana Ivanovic Interview By Valentine Uhovski Friday, June 13, 2008 So you think Ana Ivanovic faces a tough challenge on the tennis court? Well she's still facing the challenge of finishing her education. In a revealing chat with Tennis Week.com’s Valentine Uhovski conducted prior to claiming her first career major championship at the French Open, Ana shared some thoughts about her life and growing up and why she thought she’d like to become a shrink. Tennis Week: This has already pretty incredible year so far for you… Ana Ivanovic: The last few months have been so exciting for me. Obviously I finished last year on the high note, and I’ve improved a lot. But I also developed motivation to achieve even higher goals and work even harder! It was great to start a season making a final of a Grand Slam, and of course I was disappointed by not holding a trophy in the end. But I did succeed in Indian Wells, which was huge step for me because I never won a tournament of such long duration in the past. I think I mentally took a big jump towards ultimately succeeding during my next Grand Slam. Tennis Week: But you’re obviously not satisfied with being the runner-up or being No. 2? Ana Ivanovic: My definite goal is to be No. 1 in the world. But it’s tough out there. Everyone is really hungry for great results, but I feel like I’ve done my end of work and improved. I’ve beaten numerous top ten players, reached this far in the rankings, and I’m very close. Justine had a huge 2007, but it will be difficult defending all those points this year. My ultimate goal is being on top of the ranking board and winning those Grand Slam trophies. Tennis Week: Is there anyone you fear on tour? Ana Ivanovic: No, I look at everyone as seasoned opponent. You just want to go out there, give it your all and beat them as bad as you possibly can, no matter what their ranking is! Tennis Week: Everyone knows your story of growing up in Serbia in challenging times, and then moving to Switzerland to perfect your training. Did you ever feel like you were ever almost a dual citizen of both countries? Ana Ivanovic: No, I’ve always felt Sebian at heart. It’s where I was born, where I have family, friends, following…It are where I grew up and feel attached to. Of course, I don’t know if I would have same career if I didn’ t have an opportunity to move and have my current manager, trainer, and amazing facilities. Tennis Week: How’s school? Ana Ivanovic: It’s been tough. I’ve been trying to finish my economy classes at the moment. When I go back to Serbia, I have to take few more exams. But of course it’s hard to balance and think of tests and studies where you’re competing and winning but education is extremely important, so I need to try to accomplish both and find a time. I don’t like math or numbers as much, so I need a tutor obviously to get me focused. Tennis Week: What are your favorite subjects? Ana Ivanovic: I love philosophy and psychology. I actually wanted to major in psychology, but that’s something that requires a lot more face time in school and in classroom. Maybe I’ll reconsider by the end of career, when I have more time! But I still love to read as much as can on those subjects whenever I have time. Tennis Week: Your parents are both successful professionals in their own right. How have their own schedules changed since you successful ascendance? Ana Ivanovic: They’ve been so supportive. My brother in particular is my biggest fan. He actually stays up at nights to catch up with all my matches. But my father has traveled with me from early stages, and later when I started traveling abroad my mom became my companion because she was fluent in English, which was a great help! Obviously, it was tough for them to alternate between jobs and finding new ones, but I really appreciate their sacrifice. Tennis Week: In your opinion, with your success as well as Novak’s and Jelena ’s how obsessive has the whole country of Serbia has become due to your collective success? Ana Ivanovic: We really feel their energy and support. Every time I speak with my father, he talks about the extensive articles his friends and he read about us. You really feel the following, the love, and the passion of our fans. It’s just amazing that they have so much to root for considering it’s such a small country. When we play anywhere, they show up with flags. I received few crazy fan letters, but I appreciate them all because basically without the fans, we’d have nothing to do. Tennis Week: Do you always dine in the same restaurant during tournaments? Is that a superstition? Ana Ivanovic: I wouldn’t call it superstition, more like regular rituals. If you like a certain place, the owners and the people are nice to you, why not come back for good service and energy? Tennis Week: What are you latest obsessions? Ana Ivanovic: Like every girl, I love shopping but with our crazy schedules you’re mostly bound to a hotel room and movies, books and your music. --

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