Remember when Ana Ivanovic traded her tennis racket for a swimsuit? The former world No. 1 and 2008 French Open champion stunned fans back in 2010 when she posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Now, with the US Open semifinals heating up, SI Swimsuit decided to jog our collective memory with a pink-tastic throwback that has the internet collectively losing its cool.
On Thursday, the iconic magazine dropped a series of retro snaps on Instagram, and one particular shot of Ivanovic in a vibrant pink two-piece sent fans into a frenzy. The post was a clear nod to the ongoing Grand Slam action, but the focus was squarely on the Serbian beauty's unforgettable modeling debut.
Ivanovic, who captured the hearts of tennis fans worldwide with her powerful groundstrokes and graceful demeanor, was equally captivating in front of the camera. She posed for SI Swimsuit in a New York studio, an experience she described as both flattering and transformative.
“I’m really flattered and honored to have the opportunity to be featured in such a magazine. I’m really enjoying it. I feel like a different person out there,” Ivanovic said at the time. “You know, the attitude to pose in certain positions and I just tried to feel as comfortable as I can.”
That comfort translated into pure magic on film. The pink swimsuit, a bold choice, highlighted her athletic yet elegant frame, and the photos have aged like fine wine. It's no wonder fans are hitting the heart button and flooding the comments section with praise.
“Obsessed,” one fan gushed. “Lovely,” added another. A third chimed in with, “WOW! Stunning! Incredible shots.” The love is palpable, and it's clear that Ivanovic's SI Swimsuit moment remains a fan favorite.
Of course, Ivanovic is in elite company. She's not the only tennis star to grace the pages of SI Swimsuit. Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams all posed for the magazine in the 2000s, and more recently, Caroline Wozniacki and Naomi Osaka have followed suit. The tradition continues, and each new shoot brings its own brand of excitement.
This throwback also reminds us of the intersection between sports and pop culture, a space where athletes can showcase their versatility and charisma beyond their day jobs. For Ivanovic, now retired and a mother, this blast from the past is a sweet reminder of her multifaceted career.
So, as the tennis world gears up for the semifinals, this pink swimsuit photo is a perfect pause button. It's a celebration of athleticism, beauty, and the enduring appeal of a true champion. And who knows? Maybe we'll see another tennis star grace the SI Swimsuit pages soon. Only time will tell.
For more on tennis stars who've made waves off the court, check out Marta Kostyuk's viral bathroom selfie and Genie Bouchard's red-hot US Open look.
