How, in your opinion, is Wimbledon different from the rest of the Grand Slams?
The tradition is what appeals the most. The atmosphere is really special - you can feel the history of the tournament as soon as you arrive. I think most of the players feel that. For many players it is the one they watched most of all when they were kids, and the one we dreamed of winning even more than the others.
How much are you looking forward to the Grass court season, especially playing at Wimbledon.
I’m enjoying it so far. I didn’t have very high expectations going into Birmingham, considering how few matches I had played recently, and my disappointing performance at the French Open. But I had some good victories that boosted my confidence. Wimbledon is always a lot of fun and I look forward to it from the moment I arrive in England. It’s a special tournament for so many reasons. Off the court, it’s great because I can live in a house with my whole family for a week or two – this is the only tournament where I do that.
Share with us some special memory or an incident which you most cherish from the SW19 event.
It’s got to be my match against Vaidisova in 2007. I saved three match points in the quarter-finals. I remember there was a delay for rain and it was a very tough, even match. She was playing very well and actually I just had to hang in there. I won the last four games and it is a great memory for me.
What does Ana Ivanovic do in London during Wimbledon when she is not playing on court or having practice sessions?
I mostly relax at home with my family. Our house is near to the club. That may sound boring, but I don’t see them very often so we enjoy doing regular family stuff like eating dinner together. We also go out to restaurants and if there is time I enjoy going shopping in central London, especially to Old Bond Street. But that never happens during the tournament, because there is no time – I do that before or afterwards only.
