MELBOURNE (AFP) - Ana Ivanovic might be the new It girl of tennis, but she insists there is nothing glam about being on tour.
The 20-year-old siren, seeded four at the Australian Open, instead said life for a tennis professional was "pretty boring".
"Hate to shatter everyones illusions, but I can reveal that being a professional tennis player isnt half as glamorous as it may seem," she said in a column for Melbourne newspaper, The Age.
"If you look through the WTA Tour player guide, or the ATP version for that matter, you will see that most players list shopping, listening to music and watching DVDs as their interests.
"Its pretty boring, I know, but its true."
She said preparing for matches was intense and then there were off court responsibilties like promotions and interviews, leaving little energy for going out or even shopping, which she reveals is a passion.
"Shopping is one of my favourite things, but I always save that until after the tournament," she said.
"As all women know, you need lots of energy for a proper shopping trip, and I cant afford to waste that while Im still involved in competition.
"Even something like sightseeing can be energy sapping, so I also save that for after the tournament.
"Its tempting to do something fun on a rest day, but basically I am here to try to win the tournament and I will do everything possible to maximise my chances."
The Serbian had a breakthrough season in 2007, climbing from 14 to a career-high four in the world rankings, reaching the French Open final and the last four at Wimbledon.
Her on-court success has been matched by her rising profile away from the game, including appearances in US Vogue and on the cover of a British magazine hailing sports "new pin-ups".
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