Ana was interviewed by the Gulf News newspaper during the tournament in Dubai. The following is a transcript:

As a successful tennis player it must be nice to splash out once in a while. What was the latest extravagant purchase you made?
Ana: A few months ago I bought a holiday home in Spain. I wouldn’t say it’s extravagant because it’s a good investment.

How long do you spend planning outfits for tournaments and do you test them extensively beforehand?
Ana: Actually adidas designs outfits very far in advance and they show them to me more than a year before I will wear them. I give them my feedback so that they work on the designs some more if necessary. Of course being comfortable in the outfits is the most important thing, so I test them before I begin wearing them officially.


You have come a long way since your days of training as a child. Looking back what was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome?
Ana: The facilities in Serbia weren’t very good when I was a kid, unfortunately. I had to go to Switzerland to train seriously. There was also the war and bombings in Belgrade, so it wasn’t the perfect training environment, you could say! But I never thought, “oh, this is so tough” or anything like that. I simply loved to go to the court to play tennis.

When it comes to fashion off the court what are the labels you love?
Ana: I like many brands, for example Chanel, Prada, Mark Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.

What was the last item of clothing you really 'splashed out' on?
Ana: A Roberto Cavalli dress.

Tell us about an outfit in your wardrobe which is your 'old faithful' and never lets you down?
Ana: Like most women I have a black dress that I can rely on.

When it's time for casual what do you reach for?
Ana: Jeans and a t-shirt. You can’t go wrong with this combination!

Do you associate being a fashion icon and a tennis player as part and parcel of the same deal? Do you think the pressure/expectation ever take away from your game?
Ana: I don’t think about myself in this way, but it is very nice to hear something like this. For me, I am a professional tennis player first of all. I never cancel practice for photo shoots, but I do enjoy the off-court activities. I think that the fans like to find out more about the players, and see us away from the court too.

Who do you admire most when it comes to fashion? Who is your best-dressed celeb?
Ana: Jessica Alba has very good style.

If you had to pick one or the other, court or catwalk, which would it be and why?
Ana: The court for sure. I am a professional tennis player. I enjoy competing on the court more than anything.

Tell us something the world doesn't know about Ana?
Ana: I keep a notebook with my favourite quotes from books I have read.

How do you relax? And what television series make you happy?
Ana: Tournaments are very busy with many off-court activities, so I like to relax in my room when I can, and then have a nice dinner with my team. I love to watch thrilling TV shows like Prison Break, Lost and 24. Friends is a long-time favourite of mine too. I also read a lot and watch movies on DVD or at the cinema. Away from tournaments I like nothing more than to catch up with my friends and family.


(via Ana Ivanovic website, photo Sport & Style / Hamid Bechiri)

Ana Ivanovic's interview for Gulf News