Power woman Ana Ivanović speaks exclusively in GALA about her great love, her everyday family life on Mallorca – and dreams that she still wants to fulfil.
The two are the sports dream couple, in love like on the first day: ex-tennis pro Ana Ivanović, 35, and soccer world champion Bastian Schweinsteiger. For his 39th birthday last week, Ana made him a special declaration of love on Instagram: “I am so grateful that I can share life, love and parenthood with this wonderful man.” Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ana Ivanović live on a finca in Mallorca with their three children, who are now between five years and just four months old. In GALA, Ana talks more openly than ever about her colorful family life – and her commitment to others.
Ana Ivanovic in the GALA interview
GALA: You wear pink, a very feminine color that stands for caring, love and compassion, but also for girl power, as in the movie “Barbie”. What makes you so strong and confident?
Ana Ivanovic: I believe that female power comes from within. When you have inner peace and feel good about yourself, you are confident. Another thing that gives me strength and strength is my family. These are Basti and my children – and also my parents and my brother. You are my support and always there for me. When it comes to fashion, sometimes I like to dress up, wear bold colors and feel feminine.
You are a fighter for equal rights and advocate for fair pay for professional athletes. Are there really still big differences in pay between men and women in tennis?
Yes, there are differences and I don’t think they are justified. Fortunately, there have been a few women in tennis who have championed equal prize money for decades. In particular, Billie Jean King, who has come a long way with her fight for women’s rights in tennis. The result is that women receive equal prize money in Grand Slam tournaments and some other major tournaments.
Are there even more disadvantages for women in sport?
The most visible difference is the prize money, but there are many other aspects that show that the women’s game is not valued in the same way as the men’s. This is generally the case in other professions as well. Things are changing – but not as fast as they should.
They don’t differentiate between girls’ and boys’ toys
They have three children. What do you teach them about equality?
Children learn a lot from role models. And seeing at home that Mom and Dad respect each other is the best way to learn equality. Also, we never say, for example, “You’re a boy, and boys don’t cry!” We teach them very consciously that it’s okay to show emotion and that being strong isn’t just physical strength. Also, we never separate between boys and girls toys. And there are so many other things you can do to teach children that men and women are equal. They’re different, but that doesn’t mean women are weaker.
So you live equality in everyday life?
I think equality should be present in everyday life. Starting with the little things, for example who does what at home. Or how to teach children respect for every person, regardless of gender, race or other differences.
That’s how the family talks
If I were in the kitchen with you right now, what languages would I hear there? Is your native language Serbian? Or German, because of Bastian? English as we both speak now? Maybe even Spanish?
All of it! But actually I speak Serbian with the children. Basti speaks German. We speak English together, and then the kids also speak Spanish.
“It’s important for me to understand the children. They speak German with Basti.”
Don’t you ever get confused?
It’s really cute because the kids know exactly which person to speak to and in which language. I do not know how that works. But it’s much easier to learn a language when you’re so young, it’s much more natural. So compared to my age. It is now much more difficult for me to learn German.
I heard that you are currently taking German lessons. Is that correct?
(Ana answers in German) Yes, I understand more than I used to. But my German is not perfect yet. Children’s language – that works quite well.
How does German children’s language work?
(laughs) Watch out, this is dangerous! Please brush your teeth!
Wash face! Wash your hands! Slow! Quiet!
You have already passed an exam. Did you pass?
Yes, I passed, and I have to say, even with a very good result. (smiles)
Want to learn more?
It is important for me that I can understand the children. You always speak German with Basti. And we spend a lot of time in Germany and Austria, so I want to
be able to converse better in German.
“When you have inner peace and feel good about yourself, you are confident.”
“My day revolves around them and their needs”
You have a male household and are clearly in the minority as a woman. How do you assert yourself?
Well, I have to say, they take good care of me. And I’m very, very lucky. I am very active and very sporty. So I kind of match their energy and dynamic and we all get along really well.
What does a typical morning look like for the Schweinsteiger-Ivanović family?
I don’t start the day without my coffee, that’s for sure. And we try to start slowly. The children usually wake up around the same time. The older ones always wake each other up. They usually like to play first – they don’t want to rush to breakfast. Then I try to include them. We cook together and they try to help me. My day revolves around them and their needs. But if I had the choice to do what I want, sometimes I wish I had a little more time to drink my coffee. Maybe in the garden – and read comfortably at the same time.
How important is me-time to you?
I think time for yourself is very important. Of course I have a little less time since I became a mother. But I take every opportunity to relax with a good book or at the spa, and I also enjoy spending time with friends.
You often show what you eat on Instagram. Does Bastian help in the kitchen?
Rather less. (laughs) That’s mostly what I do. For me, a healthy lifestyle is important in terms of a healthy diet. We teach the children what healthy food is. They already know a lot about healthy eating, but of course sometimes we allow them something “less healthy” like ice cream or cake. My oldest didn’t get any sweets at first. But with younger kids it’s hard to keep up.
Are you being generous?
Absolutely! There are birthday parties with cake and ice cream. Yesterday we had five children at home and of course ice cream could not be avoided. That’s why it’s important to teach them to find a balance and understand what’s healthy and what’s not. But I’m not really particularly strict and I follow certain rules because I don’t think that’s sustainable. You have to enjoy things too.
You have fought for a great career, found love, three healthy children… Is there anything else you wish for?
I really appreciate what I have. But there is still so much I would like to do! I like to work, I’ve worked all my life. I also like new challenges and doing things that I find interesting. I launched my line of cosmetics, I also have some new ideas. But most of all, through my work, I want to teach young people the right values in life and show them ways to detach a little from social media and search for their inner selves. Not to be what is expected of them – but what they really are.