Many of the world’s greatest tennis players were born in Eastern Europe, a region with a strong culture for the sport. In 1987, Serbia saw the birth of two gems: Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic, who would go on to become World No. 1 in the WTA rankings and a Roland Garros champion.

Ivanovic’s passion for tennis began when she watched her compatriot Monica Seles on television, inspiring her to ask her parents for lessons. She quickly showed talent and posted impressive results at the national level, even during challenging times in her country. By 2003 she had turned professional, and two years later she lifted her first WTA title.

The Serbian rapidly established herself among the game’s elite, competing in a tough era dominated by Serena and Venus Williams, Maria Sharapova, and Dinara Sa

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