Tennis Panorama Archives

Archives of TennisPanorama.com 2008-2013

TennisPanorama.com 2008-2013
  • Home
  • Tennis Panorama
You are here: Home / Features / Former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic Retires from Tennis

Former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic Retires from Tennis

December 28, 2016 By Tennis Panorama News

Ana Ivanovic

Former No. 1 Ana Ivanovic Retires from Tennis

WTA – ST. PETERSBURG, FL, USA – Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic announced on Wednesday that she is ending her 14-year career and retiring from professional tennis. Winner of 15 WTA singles titles, a major champion and the first Serbian to hold the top ranking in the world, Ivanovic concludes a career that saw her become one of the best and most respected players in the history of the WTA.

“I’ve decided to retire from professional tennis,” said Ivanovic. “It has been a difficult decision, but there is so much to celebrate. I began dreaming about tennis when I was five and saw Monica Seles playing on TV. My dear parents backed me all the way and by the time I was ranked No.1 in the world and won Roland Garros in 2008, I’ve seen the heights I’d never dreamt of achieving. I won 15 WTA titles, reached 3 Grand Slam finals, the Fed Cup final and played so many memorable matches. But seeing those heights in any professional sport requires top physical form, and it’s well-known that I’ve been hampered by injuries. So for myself, for my fans, and for all the young girls and boys who might be watching me, I can only play if I can perform up to my own high standards – and I can no longer do that. So, it’s time to move on.”

The 29-year-old exits the game having been one of only 22 players to have ever held the WTA World No.1 ranking, ascending to the top spot on June 9, 2008. Ivanovic held the No.1 ranking for a total of 12 weeks, from June 9 – August 10, 2008 for 9 weeks, losing it for one week to fellow Serbian Jelena Jankovic, before capturing the top spot again for three more weeks until September 7, 2008.

Ivanovic recorded her career best season in 2008 when she claimed the Roland Garros title, with that championship catapulting her to the WTA World No.1 ranking. She also won titles at Indian Wells and Linz and was runner-up at the Australian Open that same season.

Ivanovic turned professional in 2003 and won her first WTA title in 2005 at Canberra. In addition to her 15 career WTA singles titles, she held eight runner-up trophies including 2007 Roland Garros and 2008 Australian Open. In 2014, Ivanovic won a WTA-leading 58 matches highlighted by a single-season best four singles titles, with her 15th and final WTA title coming at Tokyo (Pan Pacific). The Serbian holds 480 career match wins and qualified for the WTA Finals on three occasions – in 2007, 2008 and 2014.

“Tennis has always been my love, but I’m so excited about what comes next,” Ivanovic continued. “I will become an ambassador for sport and healthy life, I will also explore opportunities in business, beauty and fashion, among other endeavors. I will also have more time for my philanthropic activities, including my work with UNICEF.”

Off the court, Ivanovic has served as UNICEF National Ambassador to Serbia since 2007, specializing in child safety in schools. She has been recognized with numerous awards surrounding her accomplished career, including the 2008 Jerry Diamond WTA Aces Award recognizing off court participation, the WTA’s Most Improved Player in 2005 and 2007, nominated for U.S. Secretary of State’s 2007 International Women of Courage Award, and named one of the “30 Legends of Women’s Tennis: Past, Present and Future” by TIME Magazine in June 2011.

Steve Simon, WTA CEO and Chairman remarked, “Ana is a true champion and a great ambassador for the sport of women’s tennis. She has contributed greatly to the entire sport, both in her home country of Serbia and across the globe. She will certainly be missed on our tour as she is not only one of a very select few that achieved the WTA No.1 ranking but is also one of the most respected players on Tour.”

Ivanovic played her last professional match at the 2016 US Open, falling in the first round, and was subsequently hampered with a recurring wrist injury which prevented her from competing the rest of the season.

Click here for a video honoring Ivanovic’s career.


Photo credit: Getty Images
Related articles:

Ana Ivanovic Wins Monterrey

“My Rhythm Was Really Off,” ; Ivanovic Upset at US Open

Ana Ivanovic Moving Forward and Trying to Work on Consistency

Ana Ivanovic Upsets Serena Williams at Australian Open

Filed Under: Features, Front Page News, tennis news Tagged With: Ana Ivanovic, tennis, Tennis Panorama News, Women’s Tennis Association, WTA

Archives

  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • March 2009
  • December 2008

Copyright © 2023 · Metro Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in