World number one Ana Ivanovic said representing Serbia at next month's Olympics in Beijing would be the fulfilment of a long-term dream.

"I grew up watching our athletes at various Olympic Games and I was especially excited when the men's basketball team won the silver medal at the 1996 Games in Atlanta," she was quoted as saying by the Belgrade-based Beta news agency yesterday.

Serbia was then part of Yugoslavia, who lost 95-69 to the United States 'Dream Team' in the final. "I will be truly honoured to represent Serbia in my first appearance at the Olympics and it's something I have dreamed of since I was a little girl," added 20-year-old Ivanovic.

"I am also looking forward to meeting other athletes in the Olympic village and watching different events such as volleyball and waterpolo."

Along with world number two Jelena Jankovic and the men's world number three Novak Djokovic, Ivanovic is one of Serbia's best hopes for a medal at the Aug. 8-24 Games.

She believes it will be a tough task with most of the world's top players taking part in the tournament.

"It will be a fiercely competitive field, just as strong as a grand slam event.

"I don't want to put myself under any pressure and be unrealistic, meaning that winning any medal would be a fantastic achievement."

Ivanovic topped the women's world rankings last month when she won the French Open to capture her first grand slam title before making a third-round exit at Wimbledon.