To coincide with the UNICEF Open, which begins in 's-Hertogenbosch, Holland on Sunday, Ana gave an interview to Dutch newspaper Brabants Dagblad.
The following is an extract from the Q & A interview:
UNICEF has given its name to the grass tournament of 's-Hertogenbosch, an initiative of tournament director Marcel Hunze. What do you think of this unique co-operation? And did you immediately decide to play this tournament, when you first heard about it?
I first found out about it from my agent some time ago. It’s a wonderful initiative and I am so happy to be playing this tournament. I think that Marcel and his team deserve a lot of credit for organizing this co-operation with UNICEF. I am passionate about the work I do with UNICEF and it’s great that we can promote this cause at a tournament too.
You are a national ambassador of UNICEF for Serbia. What does that mean to you and what does it mean to Serbian children, who see you as a role model?
For me, it’s one of the greatest honours I’ve received. I think to be asked to be a role model for kids in this way is one of the biggest honours you can receive and I was so humbled when they asked me. I take the role very seriously. I remember when I was young I would look up to some athletes, so it’s important to behave in the right way and set a good example. I always enjoy taking part in activities when I am in Serbia, for example visiting schools, and talking to children.
One of your contributions to Unicef is that you donated funds to the 'School Without Violence' programme. Why particularly this programme? Is there a lot of violence in Serbian schools due to the civil war? What can you do in person to ban violence of schools?
I am not sure we can say it’s has anything to do with the wars, but yes, there is still too much violence in Serbian schools. With this programme we are obviously trying to reduce violence, and to raise the awareness about the safety of children in schools. Cash donations enable more schools to join this education programme, and I’ve visited some of them to see how things are progressing.
During a recent visit to Belgrade a few months ago, we did some special role-play events with children in a classroom, demonstrating how you should react when you witness bullying or other unpleasant incidents in school. It's not just physical violence, it's verbal insults too.
This is the third time for you coming to 's-Hertogenbosch. The last time, in 2007, you were WTA-ranked 6th, now 41th. Do you still believe in a top-10 ranking? What do you expect of this year's participation in 's-Hertogenbosch?
I have a lot of belief in my game and I am confident I will return to the top 10 soon. I think I can compete for the big titles for many years. I am still only 22.
I try not to have too many expectations before a tournament, but of course my goal is to win every one that I enter. Aside from that, I think it’s important that I enjoy the tournament, because there are so few opportunities to play on grass each year.
