Ana Ivanovic On Roger Federer: ‘He Is An Impressive Figure On And Off The Court’

There is no doubt that Roger Federer continues to amaze a lot of fans as well as fellow tennis players. At 33 years old, the Swiss legend has won a total of 82 singles career ATP titles and 17 Grand Slam trophies. Recently, Serbian tennis star Ana Ivanovic has expressed her admiration toward Federer.

Ivanovic had the chance to play with Federer during the International Premier Tennis League, or IPTL. Ivanovic and Federer represented the Micromax Indian Aces, which was declared the overall winner of the inaugural team tennis tournament. Even though Ivanovic only had the weekend to share the court with the 17-time Grand Slam Swiss champion, she was very impressed with his attitude and elegance on and off the tennis court.

"Roger Federer is truly a great champion, he is an impressive figure on and off the court," Ivanovic said of Federer via Tennis World USA. "I also have to say that he is a very beautiful person, a true gentleman, he is a great man, I have no doubts about it."

According to Ivanovic, she had the opportunity to talk to Federer while they were playing for the IPTL. Ivanovic has always been in attendance in all the IPTL matches since its first leg in Manila. Federer, on the other hand, only played during the IPTL's third leg in New Delhi, India.

The Serbian athlete, who revealed that she was nervous about speaking with Federer for the first time, said that she and Federer talked about balancing career and family, among others. They also talked about the importance of the surrounding environment for the players who go to the farthest corners of the world when they are competing. Ivanovic revealed that other players tend to have a "sad and unhappy" outlook because it is tough to enjoy the tournaments when they are travelling a lot. However, the 2008 French Open women's singles champion said that the important thing is to take time to relax and create a pleasant environment. For Ivanovic, she may have an intense career, but she is able to have a good life off the tennis court. She added that it is what keeps her playing.

Ivanovic is expected to return to professional action in January, as stated on her official site. She will take part in the 2015 Brisbane International from Jan. 4 to Jan. 10. Afterward, Ivanovic will play at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year at the Australian Open from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1.