Tennis: Ana wants repeat of 2014

Ana Ivanovic was a most popular winner of the 2014 ASB Classic. Photo / Richard Robinson

Ana Ivanovic will headline a quality field at the women’s ASB Classic next month. The Herald on Sunday had the chance to (verbally) rally with her this week.

Why return to Auckland?

Having won this tournament in the past, I obviously have very fond memories of playing there.

Of course, I would be delighted to repeat my success from 2014 and win again. That's the plan!

The tournament itself is extremely well organised, everything runs smoothly and it's definitely one of my favourite events on the WTA calendar - no wonder it attracts a lot of other top players.

The field is going to be strong and it will give me the opportunity to play some high-quality matches before the Australian Open. I'm delighted to come back to Auckland.

You hit the tourist trail last time you were in Auckland. What will you do this time?

I'm hoping to get the chance to explore the east coast beaches this time. I have heard a lot about the beauty of its white sand beaches and surroundings.

If you could play only one more competitive tennis match in your life, who would it be against and on what court?

It would definitely be against Serena and it has to be Rod Laver Arena [in Melbourne]. She's one of the greatest players ever, so you want to play the best. RLA is one of the courts I feel the best playing on, and the only time I won against Serena was there.

Women's grand slams: three sets or five?

Definitely three. We are girls. Come on!

What's the hardest thing about being a professional athlete?

I've always been very dedicated to tennis and very focused, and it's true I made some compromises in my life. I did miss out on some things because of the nature of professional tennis, with all the travelling.

You often feature in lists of 'glamorous athletes' and similar. Is that flattering or frustrating?

I think every woman enjoys a bit of attention. I certainly do.

Tell us things about Serbia that we wouldn't find in Lonely Planet?

For such a small country, Serbia varies from town to town, region to region, with all their peculiarities and distinctions. People in Serbia are happy to see tourists and anxious to guide you to their favorite spots. All Serbs are very fond of coffee and drink it constantly.

If there was one shot or aspect of someone else's game you'd like, what and whose would it be?

Definitely Serena's serve. It's such a reliable weapon to have and a big part of overall confidence.

Who would be your dream doubles partner in a charity tennis match? It doesn't have to be a current or past tennis player.

Roger Federer. He's obviously one of the greatest players of all-time, maybe the best ever. I'm amazed by his beautiful style of play and he's a great person, too, so it'd be a big honour to play doubles with him.

What is your main goal in tennis for 2016?

I'd like to win another grand slam. I've won one and also been world No 1 but people remember you for the titles you won, not so much your ranking. Any grand slam would be great, but I would like to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The Olympics are a big motivation, too. It would be great if I can win a medal for my country.

What will you do when you retire from playing?

There is a lot more to me than just tennis. I'm passionate about fitness, I'm a big foodie and I enjoy healthy living. I would like to develop my own company that would incorporate all three. My management team and I are already thinking about it.

This year, I became a co-owner of Trainers4Me. I wanted to create a similar system to what Uber or AirBmB offers but for sport lovers.

With Trainers4Me, you can find your perfect coach for any sport anywhere in the world. If you're on holiday and fancy a personal session with a yoga instructor, you can log in and find one easily.