Golden Girl No. 2 Ana Ivanovic Signs Major Contract With Yonex

20-year-old Serbian Ana Ivanovic (aka Golden Girl #2) has signed potentially the biggest racquet endorsement deal in the history of tennis. According to CNBC sources “it’s a four-year deal that could hit eight figures if Ivanovic is ranked No. 1 for about half the deal.” Ivanovic begins the season ranked fourth in the world but will rise to a career-high ranking of No.3 on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour when the new rankings come out on Monday.

Ivanovic, who has endorsement deals with Adidas, Juice Plus and Verona Motors, is expected to be the new face of Yonex, being that she is the brand’s highest ranked player. Yonex is also No 10-ranked David Nalbandian’s clothing and racquet sponsor. Ana’s Adidas contract is also believed to be one of the most lucrative since Steffi Graf’s retirement.

This is a great news. I get really excited when female athletes sign major endorsement deals. I am sure Ana’s on and off court success inspires thousands of young girls around the world, especially in developing countries, to pick up rackets and start working hard towards their goals. Wonder who is Golden Girl No 1?

(Photo: Manuela Davies/anaivanovic.com)