Ana Ivanović (Serbian: Ана Ивановић, born 6 November 1987 in Belgrade) is a retired Serbian professional tennis player. She reached the world No. 1 ranking for 12 weeks in mid‑2008 after a breakthrough season that included victory at the French Open in 2008. During her career she also finished runner‑up at the 2007 French Open and the 2008 Australian Open, and represented Serbia in the Fed Cup.
Overview and career arc
Ivanović turned professional as a teenager and rose through the WTA tour with an aggressive baseline game and notably powerful groundstrokes. Her peak came in 2008 when she combined Grand Slam success and consistent tour results to reach No. 1 in the world. She continued competing on the WTA circuit for several more years, winning multiple titles and remaining a prominent figure in women’s tennis before announcing her retirement from the professional tour in December 2016.
Playing style and characteristics
Known for a strong, flat serve and an attacking forehand, Ivanović used depth and pace to dominate rallies. Her height (approximately 1.84 m / 6 ft 0 in) helped generate power and angle; commentators frequently cited her serve as one of her principal weapons. Despite occasional struggles with consistency, she was admired for her ability to take control of points and finish with clean winners, traits that brought her success on clay and hard courts alike. For more on her reputation as a powerful server see analyses.
Major results and notable achievements
- 2008 French Open champion; 2007 French Open finalist — breakthrough at Roland Garros (French Open).
- 2008 Australian Open finalist (Australian Open).
- Reached world No. 1 for 12 weeks in 2008.
- Played key ties for Serbia in the Fed Cup and contributed to growing attention for Serbian tennis.
Off-court life and legacy
Ivanović has lived in Basel and elsewhere in Basel, Switzerland, during and after parts of her playing career. She earned more than $13 million in prize money over her professional career and maintained a public profile beyond sport. Interested in styling and fashion, she collaborated with designers and brands and commented on apparel choices for players (fashion). Ivanović has also been active in charitable work, serving as an ambassador for UNICEF and appearing on related outreach initiatives (UNICEF profile).
Ivanović’s combination of a Grand Slam title, a stint at No. 1, and her role in popularizing tennis in Serbia make her one of the most notable players of her generation. Her retirement in 2016 closed a successful professional chapter; she remains involved with the sport and with charitable and commercial activities after stepping away from full‑time competition.