Ana Ivanovic returned to the tennis courts eight years later at a star-studded event. The former world No. 1 was part of the Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters, an exhibition tournament that gathers six female legends.
The tournament was part of the WTA Tour from 1996 to 2021, featuring champions like Kim Clijsters, Jennifer Capriati, Venus Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Mary Pierce, and Ana Ivanovic herself. However, it was decided in 2022 that it would no longer be part of the calendar, putting its future in jeopardy.
The tournament organizers found a better solution, and starting in 2022, it became an invitation-only exhibition event featuring various former champions. The first champion was Kim Clijsters (2022), who defeated Martina Hingis, and then in 2023, the just-retired Anett Kontaveit defeated Andrea Petkovic in the final.
Ivanovic returned to the tennis courts for the first time since her retirement at the end of 2016. The Serbian player married the renowned former German footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger, with whom she has three children: the first was born in 2018, the second in 2019, and the third in 2023.
Unlike other retired players, Ivanovic does not usually participate in legends exhibitions nor is it common for her to comment on current tennis affairs publicly or appear at tennis-related events. Nonetheless, a month ago, she surprised everyone by attending the Laver Cup and even sharing some moments with Roger Federer.
Ivanovic was the second seed in Luxembourg but quickly lost in the quarterfinals to Kirsten Flipkens by 1-6, 4-6. Nevertheless, the former French Open champion congratulated her opponent and shared her joy at returning to the courts on social media.
"It was
really nice to be on court again after 8 years! Not the result i hoped for, but
@FlipperKF played really well. Thank you @WTAluxembourg and everyone watching”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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