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What pollution? I saw the sun here after so many days, says Ana Ivanovic in Delhi

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Coming to one of the world's most polluted city to play some fun-filled tennis during the off season, world No. 5 and 2008 French Open winner Ana Ivanovic is more interested in making friends while preparing for the new season rather than practising alone in one frosty corner between central and Southeast Europe.

So talking about Delhi's pollution is not something which bothers her. She is rather enjoying the 'bright Sun' and ready to come here as and when she gets another chance. "What pollution?" she asked. "I saw sun here after so many days," her smile said it all.

Even though the tennis that she has been playing during her maiden India trip is not so intense but making some good money along with good practise in the off-during the four-leg International Tennis Premier League (IPTL) is worth spending time away from her home.

"I really can't wait to step on to the court and feel the excitement. Delhi is one city, I've never visited. I may not get time to go around the city but certainly I'm thrilled to be here," she added. Part of Delhi's Indian Aces, the world No. 5 and 2008 French Open winner did admit that she was "sceptical" about the new format offered by the IPTL but later was convinced of its viability when top players signed up for the "innovative new competition".

Coming from a country where temperatures read somewhere between minus 10 to 20 degrees Celsius during this time of the year, this must be a welcome break for the Serbian tennis sensation. That's why she is not complaining even after spending 11 months on the gruelling professional circuit.

Couple of years ago, Britain's Andy Murray had protested the long tennis calendar with little break in between. But even he is now part of the IPTL playing for the Manila Mavericks.

"It's tough to be playing during the off-season, but its fine as long as you are enjoying it. Sometimes, off-season can be tiring. Spending time with our team during this IPTL and also playing some competitive tennis certainly makes a lot of sense rather than training alone back home. There is a feeling of togetherness in this format," she said.

Talking about the year 2014 during which she achieved her goal of qualifying for the WTA Finals and finished fifth in the world rankings on the back of four WTA tournament wins and victories over top-two Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova twice, Ivanovic said she approached the season the way she used to do in her initial years.

"I had decided to approach the game like when I first started playing tennis on the circuit. Tennis, the game which I loved the most, had become hard for me. Sometimes, I used to think what was I doing in tennis. Fortunately, I have a good team to work around me. They really worked hard on me. I was guilty of committing few mistakes in the past, which I rectified in this season. I tried to do certain things right which helped me in my game," Ana said.

It's been a long journey back to the top five for Ana — six years to be precise. She has not won any Grand Slam after her famous win in Paris in 2008. But then at 27, the time has not run out for her.
"My coaches and I are trying to work out what went wrong this year, so we can achieve better Grand Slam results next year."

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