Returning to the venue where she achieved one of the biggest milestones in her life at the French Open, a contempt Ana Ivanovic is happy that her tennis career is over.
The former world No.1 grace her presence at Roland Garros on Thursday for a special ceremony held between the two women’s semifinal matches. Organisers at the venue paid tribute to Ivanovic, who won her only grand slam title at the 2008 French Open.
“I was really promising that I will not cry, and it was very hard to hold my tears back. It brought back a lot of emotions, actually. It was so wonderful.” Said Ivanovic.
Last December the Serbian announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 29. Troubled by a series of injury issues as well as disappointing results on the tour, Ivanovic felt it was time to bring her career to an end. During her time as a player, she won 15 WTA titles and spent a total of 12 weeks as world No.1.
“I do have special bond with this place & Philippe Chatrier. To walk on & see my family there, it was very hard but sweet at the same time.” pic.twitter.com/BiIuyAGrhZ
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) 8 June 2017
Now residing in Chicago with her husband Bastian Schweinsteiger, who plays for football club Chicago Fire, Ivanovic has no desire to return to professional tennis. Even the emotional experience she felt in Roland Garros on Thursday failed to persuade her back into the sport.
“It’s been now almost six months. I do not regret it.” She explained.
“I am very happy where I’m at at the moment, and I’m still learning a lot. I want to improve. I want to share everything I have learned. I think it was the right time for me.”
It isn’t just playing that Ivanovic has ruled herself out of, she has also played down the potential of coaching in the future. Former world No.1 players Amelie Mauresmo, Martina Navratilova and Lindsay Davenport have all branched into the area. On the other hand, Ivanovic is not keen to follow the trend of super coaches.
“I do want to focus on leading the healthy life and being fit, but I can’t really see myself as a tennis coach.” Said Ivanovic.
“Maybe as a mentor to help here and there a little bit as advice, but definitely not on tour.”
Ivanovic’s appearance at Roland Garros occurred on the same day Jelena Ostapenko defeated Timea Bacsinszky to reach her maiden grand slam final. At the age of 20, she is the youngest French Open finalist since Ivanovic back in 2007.
