Ana is featured in the new issue of Jumeirah Magazine, which is published by an affiliate of her sponsor, Dubai Duty Free.
The following is a transcript of the interview:
os dejo un extracto de la entrevista de Ana para el magacine norteamericano Jumeirah .
Podeis ver la entrevista completa en su web oficial
Can you begin by telling us about your journey into tennis?
It all started just before my fifth birthday – I remember being at home in Belgrade and watching tennis on the TV. It was Monica Seles playing and I was fascinated by this new activity I was watching for the first time; it looked like so much fun. They showed a commercial for a tennis club and I wrote down the number and kept asking my mum to take me there. After about a month of me asking, I had my first tennis lesson and I instantly fell in love with the game. I remember my father handing me my first tennis racket for my fifth birthday. It is one of the happiest memories of my life.
When did your professional breakthrough happen?
In 2004, when I was 16 I had a very good season on the ITF circuit (one level below the WTA Tour) – I was undefeated. Then at the end of the season I qualified for the Zurich Open, which was my home tournament in many ways. I came back from 5-1 down against Golovin in the first round, then I lost 7-6, 7-6 to Venus Williams in the next round. I missed so many set points! I think it was 11 or something like that. Going so close against such a great champion as Venus gave me confidence for the future. Yeah, I think this tournament was kind of my breakthrough, and I played in my first Grand Slam at the Australian Open just a few months later.
Every tennis player develops his or her own style. What’s yours?
I have an aggressive game. I like to dominate, especially with my forehand, and step into the court. I like to dictate the points
Your serve has been described as ‘a very powerful weapon’. How would you describe it?
Thanks. For sure it can be a great weapon for me when it’s working. I am trying to improve my consistency on the serve and I think it’s got better.
Catching opponents off guard: what’s your trick?
I enjoy coming to the net – not many girls do it these days, so I guess it can be a surprise to the opponent. Drop shots can also catch an opponent off guard but overall I like to win points with power and accuracy.
VAMOS ANA
