"All players should have equal value, we need to determine the value" - When Ana Ivanovic was angry over Novak Djokovic's stamp costing more than hers
Former World No. 1 Ana Ivanovic was once furious when she discovered that a postal stamp featuring her compatriot Novak Djokovic was more costly than hers.
The Serbian postal service issued stamps honoring Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Nenad Zimonjic, and Janko Tipsarevic ahead of the country's outstanding achievements at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The standout performer in the Serbian team was undoubtedly Novak Djokovic, who reached the singles semifinals but was defeated by Rafael Nadal. However, he bounced back to defeat James Blake of Team USA in the bronze match, securing Serbia's first-ever Olympic tennis medal. His compatriot Tipsarevic exited in the second round.
In the women's event, top seed Ana Ivanovic withdrew due to a thumb injury, while Jelena Jankovic was eliminated in the quarterfinals. In doubles, Djokovic partnered with Nenad Zimonjic but suffered an early exit.
Djokovic received his stamp on April 4, 2008, from PTT Srbija's General Manager, Goran Ciric. It was priced at $0.42. Ivanovic's stamp followed at $0.37, with Jankovic and Zimonjic's stamps valued at $0.27 each and Tipsarevic's stamp at $0.18.
In an interview that same year, Ana Ivanovic shared her delight at receiving the stamp, describing it as an "incredible honor." She expressed that it was something she had never imagined would happen to her.
"It's an incredible honor," Ivanovic said (via Tennis.com). "It's surreal. This isn't something I ever imagined would happen to me, especially as I'm so young. But it's a great feeling."
However, the 2008 French Open champion redirected her focus to the stamp featuring the 24-time Grand Slam champion, highlighting its higher cost than any other Serbian Olympic team player's stamp.
"We are all proud to grace the stamps, but there was a misunderstanding in communication and certain details should have been explained to us. We are all part of the Olympic team. All the players should have equal value. That is a big honor, but we need to determine the value," Ana Ivanovic said.
Novak Djokovic: "I reached Roger Federer, now I have my own postal stamp"
Before Novak Djokovic received his own postal stamp, Roger Federer was honored with the same distinction in his native Switzerland exactly one year prior.
The Serbian tennis star recalled that and remarked upon receiving the honor that he "touched" Federer's legacy and vowed to surpass it one day.
"I reached [Roger] Federer. Now I have my own postal stamp. Federer is 26 years old. He is very good and plays rationally. I know that one day I'll reach him because I am getting better from day to day," Djokovic said (via Tennis.com).
Djokovic did fulfill his promise, overtaking Federer in terms of Grand Slam count and other achievements. While the Swiss legend retired from tennis with 20 Majors, the Serb is still active and has 24 such trophies in his cabinet.