Catching Up with Ana Ivanovic

We had a chance to catch up with former world No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic. She retired from tennis at the end of 2016, and she filled us in on how she has kept busy post-tennis as an adidas brand ambassador and parent.

Now that you aren’t competing, what are your favorite ways to stay in shape?

As an athlete, staying fit will always be an important part of my life, with or without active competition. I love doing yoga, as it keeps me centered and balanced. I also enjoy running outside along the water at home in Chicago.

How do you present a healthy body image, especially now that you are a parent?

There is more to a healthy body image than just being in shape. It is important to live an active and balanced lifestyle. As parents, we try to set an example for our children by walking often, eating greens and proteins, and balancing it with some fries and ice cream too!

How will you inspire your kids to lead an active, healthy life?

Our son loves to dance and run around. We encourage this and promote his interest in learning how to use his growing body to the best of his ability.

With both you and your husband being professional athletes, it’s safe to say sports have had a big impact on your life. How important is it (if at all) that your children participate in sports? Why?

We would love our kids to be interested in sports, but we will not put extra pressure on them to play a particular sport. We want them to pursue their own passions, no matter what they are.

If your children are interested in sports as they get older, what pieces of advice would you give them as they enter the world of competitive athletics?

Always stay grounded and be appreciative of those around you. No one ever gets to the top alone; it takes support and teamwork from others. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when the spotlight is on you, and it’s great to enjoy that spotlight but to remember that fame and success is not the end all, be all.

You’ve represented adidas on court your entire career, and now you represent them off court as a brand ambassador. What types of projects do you work on with adidas and which do you feel has been most rewarding?

Adidas is involved with some amazing initiatives, and it has been an honor to be a part of their team. My favorite project is definitely the Parley and Ocean Squad initiative. The pollution of our oceans has become a huge problem, and I feel grateful that adidas has asked me to join in this important movement.

Finally, what do you miss most about competing? Flipside, what's the best part about not being on tour?

I loved being on court and competing. Walking onto a big stadium like Arthur Ashe and hearing all of the support and love from the fans, it’s an amazing feeling. There are times when I miss being on Tour, but I’m also grateful to be at home raising my children and being with my husband. It’s also nice not being on a plane once a week!