Ana Ivanović reveals she suffered panic attacks during tennis career

Former world No. 1 tennis player Ana Ivanović has revealed that she suffered from severe panic attacks during her professional career. Speaking on the Croatian program “(Miss-)Success of the Champions” hosted by Slaven Bilić, Ivanović explained that these episodes often occurred when she stepped onto the court, sometimes causing her to fall or struggle during matches.

Ivanović noted that spectators often misunderstood her behavior on the court, unaware that she was being overwhelmed by anxiety and the fear of having to perform in front of an audience the following day. She also reflected on the professional challenges she faced, including instances where coaches left her without explanation, specifically mentioning Sven Groeneveld in 2009 and 2011.

In a broader discussion regarding public figures and mental health, the reports also noted that actor Hugh Grant has spoken about experiencing sudden panic attacks that impact his preparation for film roles.