Ana Ivanovic admits panic attacks drove early retirement

Former world No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanović revealed that severe panic attacks plagued the final years of her tennis career, contributing to her decision to retire at age 29 in 2016. In interviews with former footballer Slaven Bilić and other media outlets, she described intense fear of stepping onto the court and playing before spectators, saying the attacks were “incredibly intense” and left her unable to continue. Ivanović also recounted missing the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to a right‑hand injury and discussed her post‑career life, including a high‑profile divorce from former soccer star Bastian Schweinsteiger and a court‑ordered alimony of €15,000 per child while living on Majorca. The accounts, reported in German, Portuguese, English and other languages, highlight her struggle with mental health and its impact on a top‑level sporting career.