Rafael Nadal's retirement, Novak Djokovic's Olympic gold & more: Ana Ivanovic gives her verdict on 2024 tennis season

Former World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic has weighed in on her picks for the recently concluded 2024 tennis season. While revealing what stood out for her as the highlights of the year, Ivanovic also expressed great optimism for the 2025 season.

The Serbian star commented on what were arguably the two biggest events of the season: Spanish 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal's retirement from competitive tennis and her Serbian compatriot Novak Djokovic's long-awaited Olympic Gold at this year's games held in Paris, which Ana Ivanovic acknowledged it was the "biggest moment" of the year.

"It was very emotional and very surprising when Nadal announced his retirement this year," Ivanovic shared in a video posted on her social media.

Commenting on Novak's triumph at the Olympics, his compatriot shared: "He (Djokovic) achieved the golden slam and really achieved the last thing he was aiming for."

A 24-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic is also the only athlete in men's tennis to have won the Golden Masters (winning all 9 elite-level Masters 100 tournaments) twice.

Ana Ivanovic also disclosed her picks for player of the year: Jannik Sinner on the men's side and Aryna Sabalenka among the women.

Sinner, 23, had a stellar year with two Grand Slam titles, three Masters 1000 victories, and a 73-6 win-loss record. Sabalenka also won two Slams, raising her overall tally to three, and soared to the top of the rankings overtaking Polish rival Iga Swiatek.

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Ana Ivanovic shares what she is looking forward to in 2025

EnterIvanovic won her only Grand Slam in 2008, defeating Dinara Safina in the final in Paris - Source: Getty

Ana Ivanovic also expressed that she is "excited" to watch more battles between Sinner and his Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz, who scooped up the other two Slams this year. Alcaraz won all three encounters against his Italian rival this year, including a tight 5-setter at Roland Garros.

"It will be amazing to see how Sinner can back up such an amazing year," said Ivanovic. "I am looking forward to see Alcaraz play more. He has been also playing well so I think we will be seeing more battles between them and I am excited about that."

The former World No. 1 also revealed that the Australian Open is her favourite tournament and that "it is always a pleasure" to watch the players compete Down Under.

Ivanovic made the final in Australia in 2008, where she was beaten by Russia's Maria Sharapova in straight sets. Ivanovic's only Grand Slam triumph came in Paris later that year, where she defeated Dinara Safina to lift the trophy.