It’s hard to decide who’s more excited about the Brisbane International – Ana Ivanovic or the thousands of fans who are keenly awaiting the arrival of arguably the world’s most famous sportswoman.
Currently training in Spain, where she owns a holiday home on the Spanish island of Majorca, the 21 year old is preparing for the first Australian Open Series event of the year, the Brisbane International.
“I’m very excited about it,” she says during a break in training. “I’ve heard that the stadium is beautiful, and I’m looking forward to seeing it and playing in it.”
The world No.5 is due to arrive in Queensland in mid-December, which will be a change from her usual routine – previously she has trained in Melbourne or Sydney prior to the Australian Open.
But it won’t be all hard work, or so she hopes. Ivanovic is planning to take time out to “discover a part of Australia that I am not so familiar with”. Sightseeing, restaurants and leisurely walks are high on the Serbian’s list of priorities.
No doubt she’ll turn more than a few heads in downtown Brisbane if spotted out taking a stroll.
In the past few years, Ivanovic has become one of the most recognisable sports stars in the world. Her website (www.anaivanovic.com) is the most visited of any sportswoman’s in the world, she’s starred in TV commercials, magazine spreads and is a committed spokesperson for her sport.
On top of this, she is also a UNICEF ambassador. Ivanovic fronts UNICEF’S “School Without Violence” program and Christmas gift campaign in Serbia.
All this exposure on and off the court has, predictably, increased the weight of expectation on the young Serbian’s shoulders.
“For sure there is more pressure the higher up you go in the rankings,” she says. “There is extra motivation for the other girl to beat you. I know this because I have been in the position of the other girl myself!”
Claiming the top spot in June 2008 was the realisation of a long-held dream for Ivanovic, but she was rudely awoken nine weeks later when compatriot Jelena Jankovic took over the No.1 ranking.
Ivanovic hopes to learn from this experience and hold on to the top spot for longer next time. “It was only by reaching No.1 that I could really appreciate this [level of pressure], and I admire so much how Federer has handled it for the last few years,” she explains.
A left ankle injury and a right thumb problem caused a degree of havoc during the middle of Ivanovic’s 2008 season. She was forced to withdraw from the Beijing Olympics and suffered a shock early defeat in the second round of the US Open.
Luckily for her fans in Brisbane and around the world, Ivanovic is now over these injuries and looking forward to a successful and uninterrupted 2009 season, and perhaps another tilt at the top spot.
But while the No.1 ranking is a goal, it’s not at the forefront of the world No.5’s mind. “If I improve my game the results will come, and then the ranking comes automatically.”
Ana Ivanovic will play at the Brisbane International from 4 to 11 January 2009. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 1300 888 104.
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