'I am no sex symbol' says Ana Ivanovic in an exclusive chat from Melbourne.

Serbian tennis player Ana IvanovicAna Ivanovic to After hrs from Melbourne.

You topped the thinking man's sex symbol poll and were also announced the sexiest female player for the fourth time by www.tennisreporters.net. What does this mean to you?

I don't take it seriously at all! Every woman likes to recieve this kind of compliment, and I am no different. But really it's just something humorous and not serious. I am focused on achieving my goals in tennis.

In spite of a packed schedule, you are a UNICEF National ambassador to Serbia and have been nominated fot the International Women of Courage Award 2008 by the US state department. How do you take time out for all the charity and humanitarian work?

I think I lead a balanced life, although it's sometimes difficult to find enough time for myself. I am very lucky to be doing something that I love, and I understand that a lot of children look up to us as tennis players. I want to set the example I can, and I am always happy to help in these small ways.

You were a runner-up at the Austalian Open last year. With a day to it, do you think Melbourne will be lucky for you this time?

I really hope I can be in the finals again, but if I think about the tournament overall and not each individual match, I won't do well at all. I really need to focus on each opponent and take it step-by-step. When I am able to do that, I feel like I have a good chance.

You started off 2009 without a coach. Why?

I am lucky to still be a part of the Adidas Player Development Programme and can team up with Sven Groenefeld when I like. He is a great adviser to me and we've been working together on court ia Melbourne. Maybe I'll appoint a full-time coach soon, but for now, I am happy with this arrangement.

2008 was a landmark year for you. It gave you your first Grand Slam win at Rolland Garros and later made you World No 1. But by the end fo the year, your ranking dropped to No 5. What are your expectations from 2009?

Who knows? I never worry about the future, because it's going to come soon enough anyway. I'm definitely excited about the year and confident that I can achieve my goal of winning a Grand Slam. But the most important thing is to keep improving. If I improve my game, the results and rankings will come automatically.

Source : www.dnaindia.com