Quotes from Ana Ivanovic

When I was starting out, it was almost impossible for me to get visas to travel to tournaments.

Pressure comes from myself, because I expect a lot, but I am trying not to put so much pressure on tournaments and to be less emotional during matches.

I like to have my privacy. I don't like people knowing what I do in my free time. I am also a very shy person, but I understand that people want to know more.

A lot of coaches are very intense, which is good once you are working, but you don't want that all the time.

Everything in moderation. I keep a healthy body, a healthy look. It's important not to be obsessive about anything - fitness, training, eating - because then you end up focusing on only that. And you can't obsess about anything when you're on the road.

There's really not much friendship between the girls on tour. There's so much rivalry and jealousy, so everyone just hangs out in their own camp. In the locker room and players' lounge, you can feel the jealousy.

Ever since I was a young girl, even in school, I was always a perfectionist, and I always wanted to do my homework as soon as I got home. Everything had to be done properly.

If I make a change to a young kid to play any sport, not only tennis, instead of spending time in front of the TV or computer, that is good. I want to give them a good example: 'Hey, go out and play and see the world.'

I really just try to enjoy the game and hope that I can inspire young kids. I started playing tennis because of Monica Seles, and I try to promote the sport in the best possible way. Sometimes it's hard because you get upset on court, but I think in life one learns through experiences in order to evolve as a person.

When competing a lot and traveling, I have problems with my lower back because I'm always on the plane or sitting. That's something that does bother me from time to time, but I try to stay on top of it.

One of the downsides of the job is that I am travelling so much, and I don't have so much time to go out and socialise as people who have a more traditional job might do, so it's hard.

I believe I have quality, and that's why I won a grand slam, so I know I can do it again.

I think, when I'm on the court, I become with a killer instinct - a real Scorpio.

There are times when the only people you spend time with are the people in your team. That's hard, because I think, 'I'm a girl. I want to hang out with other girls. I just want to be a normal young woman.'

It's not good to stretch when you're cold. Get your heart rate up, and once you finish, take time to stretch and let your body calm down.

In cities like Miami, my hair can get so frizzy, it looks crazy. I use TRESemm Extra Hold hairspray. I use a lot of it.

I like to be alone and listen to music. Every match I play, I have a tune in my head over and over. It might only be a few words or a small piece of the tune, but it can drive you mad.

You learn you have to accept the way things are, and the sooner you accept them, the sooner you become at peace with them, and then the things start to get better.

For a coach to be able to help you, they need to get to know you well. They need to see what's happening - that you are not in the mood to talk, or something like this. It is very hard to find the right person.

I am constantly trying to improve my playing and hope to get more and more mental strength. I think these are two of the success keys.

The most important thing is always to feel comfortable - I would never sacrifice function for style.

When I'm very motivated, and when I have to compete, I change a little bit; I become very competitive.

I need nine hours of sleep because of all the activity I do. It doesn't always happen, but I really try.

I think, in every person's life, you have ups and downs. You learn so much about yourself, sometimes even more, in the down times. Unfortunately, I had to go through it in public, which was not easy.