She's a former world number one and the 2008 Roland Garros champion who has won countless ‘sexiest women’ awards, but Ana Ivanovic is still getting accustomed to her increasing fame.
The Serbian finds it "strange but nice" that people approach her for an autograph, an occurrence which is becoming more frequent with each passing day.
Take breakfast, for example. Ivanovic and her team always start the morning in the same restaurant next to their hotel; the player who doesn't walk on the lines on-court is superstitious. But as her profile grows, so does her fan base - and autograph signing is now becoming a habitual part of the morning.
“It’s a new experience,” she said. “Up until maybe the end of last year it will always happen in Serbia, but never really when I was abroad. Now, here, people come up to me a lot ... they always come up and ask for autographs.”
Her burgeoning popularity in Australia could, in part, be due to the fact that she embraces the country with open arms. Melbourne is one of her favourite places to visit – she has family here – and last night she relaxed with her relatives by enjoying a typical Aussie barbecue at home.
The 21-year old has also visited the cinema twice and meandered through the city centre to Southbank – a walk she adores. After the tournament, she hopes to indulge in a spot of surfing.
“I’ve heard [it’s] about one, one-and-a-half hours to the beaches where you can actually surf. I would love to. Maybe after the tournament, if I have a chance before heading back for Fed Cup.”
While surfing is on the Ivanovic agenda, she refused to make waves about the forthcoming tournament. Earlier in the day, both Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic revealed they both considered themselves to be No. 1. But Ivanovic would not be drawn on the topic.
“Honestly, I don’t think about that,” she said.
“I just try to focus on things I have to do on the court in order to win matches and to improve. Playing good and winning tournaments; rankings take care of themselves. I don’t put too much hope or expectation on that part of the game, the rankings. I think the race for No.1 position, it’s very close. There is a lot of good players at the moment.”
On the subject of her biggest rival in the draw, the Serb was quick to reel off a list. “There is lots of girls playing very well at the moment. It’s the first Grand Slam of the year, so everyone is kind of trying to get their form and to feel good about their game.
“The Williams sisters, Jelena, Dinara (Safina), (Elena) Dementieva ... they’re all playing well at the moment. It’s going to be a very, very tough Grand Slam. I think it’s what makes it interesting for us, as the players, (and) also for the spectators. They really can’t pick a sure winner.”
No comments posted
