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 Ana shared some thoughts about her life and growing up and why she thought she’d like to become a shrink. Tennis Week will post the second and third parts of Ana's exclusive interview in the coming days.

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: Did you ever really imagine being anything other than a tennis player?

Ana Ivanovic: Not really! I was watching, dreaming, and obsessing over tennis since I was 5. Before that, I’m not even sure if I had capabilities to imagine something else. But it’s surreal for my dream to actually come true.

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: 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.

(via tennisweek.com)

Exclusive Ana Ivanovic Interview Part I