Mandy Minella takes her place in Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies

Mandy Minella goes to parliament. Luxembourg's former standard-bearer’s next act is as a member of her country's Chamber of Deputies.

After quaifying for appointment via the results of October's national elections, the former world No. 66 and mother of two, 38, was sworn in last week in the legislative body as a member of the Democratic Party.

“I believe we have a duty to the next generation. I was given an opportunity to contribute my thoughts and my ideas to the conversation," Minella told Luxembourgish news outlet RTL after her swearing in. "I thought long and hard about whether or not I should join the electoral list. If I got the opportunity to be elected I wanted to use my energy to invigorate the political scene and help.”

Minella is not the first tennis player to serve in office after retirement. In 2011, former world No. 1 Marat Safin became a member of the Russian State Duma representing the United Russia party, while Anna Chakvetadze stood for election with the Right Cause party that same year, but was not elected. In Australia, Sam Groth has served in parliament in the state of Victoria since last year.

In addition, Minella's countrywoman, former world No. 18 Anne Kremer, also stood for election in the Chamber of Deputies with the DP in 2009, but finished 15th and was not elected.

One of Luxembourg's most successful tennis players, Minella twice reached the third round of the US Open and won two WTA doubles titles. In government, she will champion physical activity for people, maternity and family leave policies, and increasing educational opportunities for elite athletes after their playing careers, and also will be the chair of the body's Family Affairs Committee.

"People also know me because of my achievements and people were able to follow my journey since I was a teenager," Minella said. "They have witnessed my ups and downs, my values and what I stand for. I believe I showcased these aspects of myself positively and I believe this is also partly why I got elected.”