Ana Ivanovic interview with CorD, an English-language magazine in Serbia

The former world number one seemed destined for greatness just a few years ago. Since then, form and fitness wobbles have prevented her from capitalising on her meteoric early rise. But a new coaching setup has the re-focused Serbian star gunning for a big 2014. She already has one title under her belt this year and she’s looking for more… 
 At 26, Ana Ivanović is playing her best tennis in years and has the opportunity to regain the elite status that looked inevitable in 2008. She won at Auckland in January, beating Venus Williams in the final, just days after beating Williams’ sister and world number one Serena at the Australian Open. Although Ivanović stumbled in the quarter-final, losing to Canadian teenager Eugenie Bouchard, she had some great performances in Melbourne. Now, after six years and an unexpected slide, one of Serbia’s biggest tennis stars has finally returned to the sport’s biggest stage. In an exclusive interview with CorD, Ivanović explains how she has re-focused on tennis and is eager to return to the top. 
But she is more than just an athlete; Ivanović is a brand – the US$100 million woman, as some have called her. In her home country she is a role model and worldwide she is a star. 
Some might find the unrelenting focus a burden, particularly when so much attention is often paid to her looks. Ivanović, however, is steely; she has long since learned how to cope with the pressure and the limelight.

What are your main objectives for 2014?

- My goal is to qualify for the WTA Championships in Singapore. It was my goal before the season started and I’m very happy to have made a good start and be in the first eight positions after January. I know there is a long way to go, so it’s good that I’m near the top already, instead of having to play catch-up like I did in previous seasons. I have a good foundation to build from.

Are you planning to break back into the top 10?

- Yes, that’s my main goal at the moment. I am not so far away now, but I need to be able to beat the top players on a regular basis. Obviously my win over Serena was an important step and now I am looking forward to my matches against other top players. Getting back into the top 10 isn’t easy; there are many good young players around, such as Sloane Stephens and Simona Halep, and everyone is very hungry to reach the top. But I have confidence in my ability and I believe I can achieve this goal.

moore: 
http://www.cordmagazine.com/