Ana Ivanovic retires: Tennis community pays tribute to former World No 1

Former World No 1 Ana Ivanovic announced her retirement on Wednesday. Her playing career spanned 13 years, and saw her win the 2008 French Open and 15 WTA singles titles. The 29-year-old made the decision because she believes she is no longer in ’top physical form’, and posted a statement on Twitter to explain the decision to her fans:

To my dear supporters.... pic.twitter.com/9ycCamNela

— Ana Ivanovic (@anaivanovic) December 28, 2016

Ivanovic’s decision came as a shock to many, and several in the tennis fraternity expressed their thoughts on social media after the announcement.

The WTA commemorated her retirement with a video montage:

World No.1 ✓
Grand Slam Champion ✓#ThankYouAna pic.twitter.com/O1waXNlhPH

— wta (@WTA) December 28, 2016

Doubles World No 1 Sania Mirza tweeted her support to Ivanovic:

Will miss you and our laughs and chats.. good luck.. best always .. love ❤️ https://t.co/sEWhYkB0dQ

— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) December 29, 2016

22-time grand slam winner Serena Williams said she’ll miss Ivanovic’s smile:

@AnaIvanovic my goodness I will miss your smile. All my love ❤️❤️

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 28, 2016

Victoria Azarenka reminisced the ‘fun’ clashes they shared:

Congrats on your career @AnaIvanovic good luck and have fun on what's coming next! We had some fun matches together 🎾😬 pic.twitter.com/95flZJ5whh

— victoria azarenka (@vika7) December 28, 2016

Belinda Bencic bid farewell to her ‘idol’:

You were one of my first Idols when I was a small girl 😊All the best at your life after tennis @AnaIvanovic ! We will miss you on the Tour! pic.twitter.com/YCMv5G43ic

— Belinda Bencic (@BelindaBencic) December 29, 2016

Petra Kvitova, who is reovering from injury after being the victim of a knife attack, also tweeted her support:

We will miss seeing your smile on the court! Fighter, professional, great person. Enjoy your post-tennis life, Ana 😘 pic.twitter.com/1FXcBl4C2Z

— Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) December 28, 2016

Caroline Wozniacki chimed in with her support for Ivanovic:

Will miss you on tour, but excited for you and what your new chapter has to bring😘 see you soon!!😊😊 https://t.co/twK95j9Dnl

— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) December 28, 2016

Tennis legends Chris Evert, Boris Becker and Billie Jean King had kind words for the Serbian as well:

That smile, that grace, that forehand, that class....@AnaIvanovic ... Tennis will miss you... BUT, what a rich life you have ahead of you!!!

— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) December 28, 2016

Respect for @AnaIvanovic decision to retire from tennis on her own terms! You should be very proud of your achievements! #1 #RolandGarros

— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) December 28, 2016

@AnaIvanovic Best wishes with your future endeavors. Will miss seeing that spectacular smile! 😁 Once a champion, always a champion. 🏆 💖

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 28, 2016

🏆 2008 Roland-Garros winner
🏅2007 Roland-Garros & 2008 AusOpen finalist
🎾 Former world number 1

Thank you and goodbye @AnaIvanovic! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/iiw4J7XiIm

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) December 28, 2016

Following @AnaIvanovic's retirement, we're remembering the time she saved three match points and reached her first #Wimbledon semi-final 💪 pic.twitter.com/nLO7MoYoCa

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) December 28, 2016

World No. 1, Grand Slam champion, class act on & off the court. Thanks for the memories @AnaIvanovic and enjoy your retirement! #USOpen pic.twitter.com/owEGLkfFlK

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) December 28, 2016