Former world no. 1 Ana Ivanovic has said that nine time grand slam champion Monica Seles was her idol while she was growing up.
Speaking to the WTA Tour website, the Serb, currently ranked inside the top 20, said, “I loved her intensity and aggression: it seemed like she made every ball count. She always looked very focused, playing in the moment. I admired that a lot. And then she was always very gracious after a victory or a defeat. I learnt from her in this respect.”
Ivanovic said she also liked watching Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi in her younger days. “Although I was a big fan of Monica I also enjoyed watching Graf, especially her forehand, because that has always been my best stroke too. I was very inspired by Agassi, on the guys’ side.”
Ivanovic’s own game is also built on her big forehand.
The Serb won the French Open singles title in 2008 but has failed to advance to another semi-final since.