Belgrade – – September 15, 2026 -- Former world No. 1 tennis player Jelena Janković has been appointed Global Ambassador of EXPO 2027 Belgrade, becoming the first Serbian public figure to join the event's international ambassador roster.

Janković joins a global roster that includes Usain Bolt, Jackie Chan and Lin Dan

The appointment places the Serbian athlete alongside a small group of international sports and entertainment figures already representing EXPO 2027. Organizers cite Janković's career record as grounds for the selection: she reached the top spot in the WTA rankings in 2008, won 15 WTA titles, reached the US Open final, and captured a Wimbledon mixed-doubles title.

Janković will promote Serbia domestically rather than abroad

In a statement, Janković said the role marks a shift from her playing career, when she traveled internationally to represent Serbia. She said the expo instead brings global visitors directly to the country, giving her a platform to showcase Serbian talent, knowledge, culture and creativity to arriving delegations and tourists.

EXPO 2027 runs May 15 to August 15, 2027, under a sport-and-music theme

The exposition carries the theme "Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All." Organizers report that more than 140 international participants have confirmed attendance, with roughly 4 million visitors expected from Serbia and abroad over the three-month run.