By CGTN's Wang Meng

Roland Garros will always hold a special place for former World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic. The Serb won her only grand slam title in Paris, and organizers of the French Open honored the 2008 women’s singles champion. In December, the Serb announced her retirement from the sport at the age of 29. Troubled by a series of injuries, as well as an extended slump, Ivanovic felt it was time to end her career.

"It's never easy. It's been my whole life. But I really enjoy my time not having to have an everyday schedule made for me and having a little bit more freedom. I have been busy. I do miss competition, but I get to travel a little bit on my own terms, which is a little bit different," Ivanovic said. 

Ana Ivanovic (C), Chair of the WTA Stacey Allaster (R) and President of the French Tennis Federation (FFT) Bernard Giudicelli (L) on court for a ceremony to mark the retirement of Ivanovic during day 12 of the French Open at Roland Garros on June 8, 2017 in Paris, France. /VCG Photo

As a player, she won 15 tournaments, and spent 12 weeks atop the world rankings. Now she resides in the US with her husband, Bastian Schweinsteiger, who plays for the MLS club, the Chicago Fire, and says she has no desire to return to professional tennis.

“I get a chance to walk around, explore, and not having to sort of save my energy for the match days. I don't have to take care of jet lag and all those things.” Ivanovic said, “But I still watch a lot and keep in touch with some of my friends on tour. Yeah, it was very emotional to be back here for the first time in tennis tournament," she added.