The former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic, a fan-favorite, made a surprising return to the tennis court this week at the Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters exhibition. Eight years after announcing her retirement from professional tennis, the now 36-year-old Serb delighted fans with her presence at the event.
While six active stars of men’s tennis take part in the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia, Ivanovic joined seven other retired players in Luxembourg. The event, which began in 2022, has become a prestigious invitation-only exhibition that replaces the former WTA tournament stop in the country.
The competition featured former major-winners and former Top 10 players, including Ivanovic, Martina Hingis, Flavia Pennetta, Andrea Petkovic, and others. Despite losing to Flipkens in the quarterfinals, Ivanovic expressed her enjoyment of being back on the court.
Since retiring, Ivanovic has been busy raising her three sons with her husband, retired German soccer star Bastian Schweinsteiger. The family has kept a low profile, with Ivanovic not participating in Grand Slam legends events or taking up a role as a commentator. However, her social media activity shows that she is still involved in following the current tour.
Ivanovic and Schweinsteiger have made appearances at the Laver Cup, showcasing their support for the tennis world. Their presence at prestigious events like the Oscars further solidifies their status as a power couple in the sports and entertainment industry.
