For more than two decades, Jelena Janković represented Serbia at the highest level of international tennis. She reached No. 1 in the WTA rankings in 2008, won 15 WTA titles, reached the US Open final and won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title. She also represented Serbia at four Olympic Games. Her career made her one of the most recognisable Serbian athletes internationally and gave her first-hand experience of representing her country on some of the world’s biggest sporting stages. 

As a Global Ambassador for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, Janković will take on a different role: helping Serbia welcome the world to Belgrade. Her appointment reflects the strong connection between her international career and the values at the heart of the Expo. Sport transcends borders and languages, creates connections between people and can inspire individuals to pursue their ambitions. 

Janković joins an international team of EXPO 2027 Global Ambassadors that includes Usain Bolt, Jackie Chan and Lin Dan. Her experience as a Serbian athlete with a global profile brings a distinctive perspective to the team – that of someone who has spent years representing Serbia internationally and now has the opportunity to help present the country to the world on its home ground.  

“It is an exceptional honour for me to have been chosen as a Global Ambassador for EXPO 2027. Throughout my career, I always tried to represent my country with love, pride and responsibility. I am especially pleased that this time I will not be travelling out into the world to represent Serbia – the world will be coming to us. EXPO 2027 gives us an opportunity to show what Serbia has to offer today: our talent, knowledge, culture, creativity and, above all, our people. I look forward to being part of this special moment for our country and helping welcome visitors from around the world to Serbia,” Janković says. 

Danilo Jerinić, Director of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, welcomed Janković’s appointment and highlighted her experience of representing Serbia internationally. 

“I am especially pleased that today we are presenting the first major Serbian name among the Expo 2027 Global ambassadors. As someone who was closely connected to the world of sport for many years, I clearly remember how proud we felt watching Jelena succeed on the biggest global stage, where she represented Serbia with dignity through her results, fighting spirit, perseverance and authenticity. Those very values, together with her ability to inspire and connect people, make her a natural choice as an Expo 2027 ambassador,” Jerinic says.  

“The theme, Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All, places at its heart the power of sport to push boundaries and bring different people together. It is a great honour that Jelena accepted our invitation and that, through her experience and personal example, she will send a message especially to young people to believe in themselves, their potential and their dreams,” Jerinic adds. 

Expo 2027 Belgrade will take place from 15 May to 15 August 2027, over 93 days, under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”. More than 140 international participants have confirmed their participation to date, and around four million domestic and international visitors are expected. 

More information about Expo 2027 Belgrade is available at LINK.