Dimensions Weekly Mens Lifestyle Magazine

“It's no secret that this is the most difficult time of my career so far. Losing in the first round of the US Open hurt a great deal, I can tell you that,” reveals a fatigued Ana Ivanovic. “I feel mentally exhausted.” Coming down to the end of the year, Ana reflects on what has been a deeply disappointing season for her. “My body is quite fragile at the moment because I over-trained during the first part of the year. This was, I think, what caused me to have many small injuries this season.”

But maybe the pressure to maintain her meteoric rise in the professional tennis world had something to do with it as well. Ana made her pro debut in 2003 at the age of 15, and by 2004 already cracked the Top 100 WTA rankings. Her breakthrough came in 2005 when she debuted at all four Slam events and jumped into the Top 20. She continued her winning ways in 2006 moving up to number 13 in the world. During the 2007 season, Ana made it all the way to the final round of Roland Garros (The French Open) where she lost a disappointing match to Maria Sharapova.

But that finish gave her another boost in the rankings, and she finished the year at number four. The 2008 season was to be her best yet. After making it all the way to the final round of the Australian Open, Ana finally broke through with the championship title at Roland Garros. The number one ranking finally was hers, and so was the title of “Superstar.” Her face appeared on magazine covers all over the world. She, along with her fellow Serbian tennis stars, Jelena Jankovic and Novak Djokovic – who had breakthrough seasons as well, were hailed as heroes in their native country.

Then the injuries started to creep in. Ana passed the entire 2009 season without a single title. But, true to her roots as a survivor, she is not defeated. “I've learnt so much this year. Sometimes you have to go through these experiences in order to become a better player…. Despite my disappointments there is not a single doubt in my mind that I will reach the top again and win Grand Slams…. Now is the time to rest, recharge, and come back stronger.”

Look for a stronger, healthier Ana Ivanovic to make a great comeback at the 2010 Australian Open, which starts today. We at Dimensions Weekly will be keeping our eye on Ana, although what man can’t.

-DW