Serbs Support Their Own

Medibank International
2008-01-09
By Ben Rassieur


The noise of the Serbian fans may have also been a little distracting for Ana Ivanovic today.  It certainly was for Srebotnik, who stopped her service motion several times to quite the crowd.  The chair umpire also got involved and made repeated attempts at quitting the crowd.  “There were times they were a little bit noisy between the pints, even between the serves talking,” Ivanovic admitted, “But they’re used to, you know, being at the football games and basketball games.”  The fans even went so far as to ask her if she was game for parties in a restaurant later.

While she appreciates their support Ivanovic still prefers the traditional etiquette of tennis, “We’re used to it,” she said.  “It’s hard for me to imagine if we would play a Fed Cup.  It would be crazy, I think.”  The Fed Cup ties are generally a little looser in etiquette and fans really show their national pride.

Ivanovic is sure the Serbian fans will learn the etiquette required at a tennis tournament.  But in the mean time I’m sure her and Jelena Jankovic will enjoy their little advantage.