Anita Ivanovic

Ana will play her third Round on Stadium 2 Fourth Match

2012-03-11T19:39:00.001-07:00

Ana will play monday Ksenia Pervak in the 4th match Stadium 2 start at 16:30 local time :

20:30 PM hs in Argentina, Chile, Brasil, Paraguay and Brasil

17:30 PM hs in Mexico, Guatemala

18:30 PM hs in Colombia, Ecuador, Panamá, Perú, Venezuela Montreal (Canada) and USA eastern time

19:30 PM hs in Bolivia

21:30 PM hs in Uruguay

23:30 PM hs in Portugal, Tunista, Morroco, London ( UK )

TUESDAY

00:30 AM hs in Switzerland, Spain, Serbia, France, Belgium, Italy, Egy, Slovenia, Algeria

01:30 AM hs in Greece, Cyprus, Romania, Egypt, Finland, Ukraine

02:30 AM hs in Saudi Arabia and Belarus

03:30 AM in Abu Dhabi, Moscow

04:30 AM in Bangladesh

06:30 AM in Indonesia(Jakarta), Thailand, Vietnam

07:30 AM in Philippines, Perth (Australia), China, Indonesia(Denpasar, Balikpapan)

08:30 AM in Japan

09:30 AM in Lao

10:30 AM in Melbourne

Ana signing autographs in Indian Wells

2012-03-11T17:48:00.002-07:00

Ana Ivanovic stops by the TW Tent at the BNP Paribas Open. Courtesy of Yonex

Ana from her facebook

2012-03-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

So far, so good here in the desert! I won my match against Larsson and had a great time at the player party on Thursday night. I went there with my good friend Sorana and also caught up with Nole and some other players.

Facebook

Interview : Indian Wells 1st

2012-03-11T11:11:00.001-07:00

Q. Do you feel like today was a little bit of revenge for you from the French?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely happy about that. You know, I had a little bit of that match in my mind. I didn't play good at the French Open, so I knew I had better chance this time around. You know, I felt it was a bit awkward match still, but, you know, still so happy to get that revenge and win.

Q. It's not that often you get quick victories where you're only losing a few games. Shows you're in control almost the whole time.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. I felt like that on court today. I really felt like I could break her, which obviously gave me a little bit more confidence and I could go for a little bit more.But I just felt like it was quite a few unforced errors today, so it was really hard to get rhythm. But overall, just happy that I did what I had to do out there today.

Q. How important are the Olympics to you, especially given the fact that you got hurt right before the last one?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, they're very important. I'm very excited for the opportunity to play there again, you know, to represent my country and hopefully win a medal. Would be an amazing thing. You know, it would be nice. Who knows what happens. It's only once in four years, so it would be very, very nice.

Q. When you were a little girl, did you look at the Olympics the same way you looked at majors, or was it something totally separate?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, actually to be honest, when I was younger, the Olympics were always about volleyball and water polo and basketball, because that's where we were winning medals and it was always very exciting to watch.I remember as a kid watching it all the time. Opening ceremony was really, really exciting. But to be honest, I don't remember much of the tennis from Olympics.But, you know, to be part of it, it's I think a great thrill for every professional athlete.

Q. You did well in Indian Wells last year. Is there something in the air here for you?

ANA IVANOVIC: I really like this event, and I think if you ask players it's one of most favorite tournaments of the year. It's very relaxed and it's a nice environment to play in.I like playing, you know, in the desert. You don't get too much wind most of the days, unless you're playing final in 2009 (Laughter.)You know, it's always a great conditions. I like warm, as well, to play in the heat. It just suits me. I feel very comfortable here and I have big support, too.

Q. Do you know how many events you'll play at the Olympics?

ANA IVANOVIC: No, I don't know. How many? Oh, me?

Q. Yeah.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, two, two. I think that will be plenty, and doubles, mixed doubles and singles.

Q. You wouldn't play doubles with Jelena or something?

ANA IVANOVIC: No. I spoke to Zimonjic a little while ago and he asked me to play so I agreed. Then later on I was thinking about playing doubles, as well, but it's just too much because we have event straight after.

Q. Are you adjusting your schedule at all to kind of account for the extra tournament?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah. Actually you do have to make some adjustments because it's not easy. The calendar has changed a bit and have to make some adjustments. Obviously just try to stay healthy, because with Olympics right there it kind of puts everything really close together, you know, with French, Wimbledon, Olympics, and then US Open. You just feel like it's all the time on the go. So you really have to schedule before and then try to pick for each event.

Q. A while ago you said you felt so old being 24. Yet it doesn't really seem to make sense. Could you talk about that?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, you know, it's really true, because they always ask about young players coming up. You know, I'm considered old. Even in Sydney this year, actually, a driver took us from the hotel to the site and we were talking. He was asking, Oh, what's your name? I said, I'm Ana Ivanovic. He said, Oh, you've been around for a while. (Laughter.) I'm like, Thanks. Does that make me old? It's really strange getting these comments. I have been on tour for a while. But I still, you know, feel young and in shape, so that's important.

Q. How important is Fed Cup to you this year, because Serbia is in the semifinals? You didn't play the first round. Are you making that a priority this year to give Serbia a chance to win?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's great success for our team and for our country to reach the semifinals. It's really good. We have a good team for a while but we never seem to come together and actually go for it. This is the first time we're in semifinals. It's very thrilling, of course. It makes it that much harder with the Olympics and everything else in this year, so it seems like it's a lot of things going on.But I definitely would love to play, because I think, you know, semifinal is just one step from final and maybe a title. It's something I would love to have it, you know, next to my name, eventually.

Q. It sounds like you're not going to make a decision until after Miami.

ANA IVANOVIC: I just heard the news about the surface and obviously place, and it did make a bit of a difference because obviously it's a lot better playing on clay.

Q. Playing on clay?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah. So obviously that makes it a bit easier for a decision. But, yeah, no, I'm really trying to put that a priority and trying to fit it in the schedule.

Q. You won the French Open. If you can just give one memory, what is your best moment in Paris?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, definitely that last point in that final. It's really‑‑ it's amazing feeling. And, you know, closing ceremony, I remember Serbian National Anthem came on on center court Philippe Chatrier, and the flag was going up and I had tears in my eyes.

Q. Do you know what you're playing between Olympics and the US Open?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yes. For the moment I'm playing Cincinnati and Montreal.

Q. You were talking at the beginning of the year about sort of changing the fitness idea where you were working on keeping healthy, right?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yes.

Q. Making sure not to get hurt. Is there a point now where you're thinking, I have to get stronger or faster? It looks like you're moving very well, but maybe muscle‑wise you're not where you used to be?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I'm definitely, you know, in the gym every maybe second day and trying to‑‑ you know, even during the tournaments trying to do a little bit of weights because I think it's important to get stronger. My coach is, Look at Novak. Look at him. They're so ripped. I'm like, Yeah, well, I can't look like that. (Laughter.) But I'm trying, so, yeah, definitely trying to go to the gym and gain muscle strength, and also trying to keep the explosivity there. So not to be to heavy so I still move fast on the court.

Q. When you're on the court, I'm curious, how much energy do you draw from the crowd and the cheering that you hear‑ while you're also focusing on winning?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, actually it's a lot. It's probably a lot more than people think. It helps a lot when you have crowd behind you and you have people yelling, I think. As much as you try to be in the moment and not to focus too much what's going around, you can hear the cheering. It definitely affects in a positive way. It's always nice to hear the words of encouragement.

Q. With Fed Cup, if you were to go on to win it, how big a deal would that be when you look at what happened a couple years ago with the Davis Cup side?

ANA IVANOVIC: Obviously winning Davis Cup, and especially the final was held in Serbia, was huge for the country. You know, I was actually there. You know, I thought, you know, it would be nice to win Fed Cup, as well.Because it's an individual sport, but it's so nice to have the team competition because, you know, you feed off each other so much. You know, you really try to work as a team, and, you know, to have fun, to have meals together, to practice together.You know, it's girls coming together, and we don't get to do that also very often. You know, to win would be amazing, you know, yeah, to bring the trophy home.

Q. You have had some great wins, some real triumphs, but also some setbacks and tough stretches. If you go back in your career and change one or two things, Ana, what would that be?

ANA IVANOVIC: Definitely when I got injured after Wimbledon, so sort of like in Montreal in '08. I always kept playing, and I was one day on the court, and then I tried to hit and then it would hurt my wrist.Then I took a couple of days off, but I could still be on‑site and then try it again and again and it hurt. This kept going on for a month, and I tried to compete. I went to Olympics and I had to pull out.It just was so much going on, and it always felt likes disappointment because I was always at the site so I always took it as a defeat.And then when I played US Open I played it with like five days of practice. So I would still play US Open, you know, but I probably would have taken time off straightaway rather than later. I think it affected a bit my confidence, especially with all the expectations as the world No. 1.So I would definitely change that.

Q. Do you blame anyone else for that, giving you the wrong advice, or do you think, I was just young and that was my fault and I was pushing myself too hard?

ANA IVANOVIC: Definitely I was the one who was motivated and who wanted to practice. But still, I think people around me could have stepped up a little bit more. Because I was really young, you know, and I didn't know what to expect with all the expectations. I was doing so well, and I never really had big disappointment. So I felt like, you know, Oh, I can do anything. I can even play with one hand.You know, there were people who maybe should have said, Hey, you know, just step aside a little bit and this and that. But, you know, again, it was their first time probably, as well. So I can't really blame anyone. But I would have maybe changed that now with the experience I have.

Q. You enjoyed a very comfortable victory today. Have you given any thought towards your next potential encounter potentially against Peng Shuai? You enjoyed a comfortable victory over her in Carlsbad last year. Any thoughts to that?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I think it will be a different match. She plays a lot faster and a lot more aggressive. It's going to be a tough match no matter what. It's a very tough third‑round match. I just have to try and apply things that I did so well in practice over the last, you know, few weeks and months. So, yeah, my coach is gonna watch a little bit of that match, and then tomorrow we're gonna work on a few things to prepare for the match.

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Ana practicing this morning in Indian Wells

2012-03-11T10:59:00.001-07:00

Ana "I plan to play in Fed Cup"

2012-03-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

In an exclusive interview with the Sporting headquarters Ana talked about plans for the new season, top tennis events, where it would have on individual and team level, in the Fed Cup team Serbia at the Olympics in London, wanted to leave a large footprint. -

"I feel very well here in Indian Wells , she began to talk for Sport switchboard Ana Ivanovic. - "The time is perfect for playing and for me this place is tied very nice memories. Generally speaking, this is one of my favorite tournaments on the WTA tour and I am satisfied relatively quickly and successfully completed its first match in this competition."

always an extremely important part of the success of any professional athlete, so our female tennis players, is the physical preparation and maintenance of power and readiness for the highest sporting achievements.

" I work a lot this year on physical force , explains our tennis player. " Going to the gym several days a week helps in gaining muscle mass, which in turn improves explosiveness on the field. It is not easy to keep the focus, since it is non-stop tournament play for the tournament. My goal is to strengthen a bit, but basically I feel good."

Ana us explain its position regarding a child that is based on food without gluten.

" It's very difficult to maintain this type of child for travel and other circumstances surrounding the lifestyle of professional athletes . In America and in Australia it is much easier, but let's say in Europe and the Middle East is almost impossible to find gluten free foods"

This year's performances of our female tennis players have proceeded on the principle of hot and cold. It seemed that as soon as Ana went a few rounds in the tournament and stumbled across a little stronger opponents, it was losing confidence, and therefore matches the relatively early period of the tournament. We wondered how Anna thinks about it and how it will choose to make progress in his game and results.

" I feel that in the last two years I was able to play several matches in the tournament with a little weaker rivals and thus get into the rhythm When the order came from opponents of the world top. For example, in Dubai I am now in first round play against Schiavone which has recently fallen out of the top ten, to me immediately after that match against Mary waited Kirilenko. The next day I met with Wozniacki . These are some nuances that only work and successful passage through all these stages can lower the lot to overcome."

This year is full of major sporting events. Regarding tennis, there are, as always, Grand slam tournaments, but also Serbian Fed Cup where the team expects big semifinal duel with Russia in Moscow in late April. There is also the Olympics in London, by Ana waits with a special interest, considering that in 2008. year had to miss the Olympic competition in Beijing due to injury. The objectives of our players are therefore quite clearly defined. -

" Of course we aim to again win a Grand slam tournament. This is something that can never be forgotten. One last point on the playing Roland Garos and Serbian anthems were moments when I just cried from happiness. However, the first step you want to mark yourself is to return to the top ten tennis player. In order to achieve this, I have to be in a position to play against players from the top. This, as I said, I had the opportunity over the last few years. There were no quarter finals, semifinals and finals of major tournaments. I need a new experience and a little extra confidence that I achieved my first goal"

Serbian Fed Cup team led by Bojana Jovanovski, and Alexsandra Krunic has achieved great success in placing the first semifinal of this event in the history of Serbian tennis. Ana gladly anticipated to play Fed Cup team in a great duel that awaits us in Moscow.

" Introducing his country's great satisfaction and joy for me. Our girls have made velka success in Belgium, which gave us the opportunity to sell the first time in the Fed Cup semifinals. This is a very specific place, where he plays tennis as a team sport and when we can just hang out and be a group of girls acting and going through this period together, which is not the case on the WTA tour. The fact that this semi-final match played at the slag my decision even easier to try to adapt your schedule participation in the Fed Cup. I would really like to experience the same atmosphere, through which one passed our Davis Cup team, when they became world champions in our Belgrade Arena."

Olympics is for Ana, as well as any other top athletes, special sporting event.

"When I grow up, enjoy I was watching the opening ceremony, but the sport point of view I can not remember so many tennis competitions, many of our great water polo, volleyball or basketball, for which I am always rooting for and was very happy when they won medals. As far as my participation in London, I can confirm that I play with Nenad Zimonjic in the mixed doubles competition, and that I will compete as individuals. It would have been too small to play in the doubles, with regard to me immediately after the Olympics is expected that the tour will finish at the Open Championship of America in New York."

In the end, we joked with Ana about the fact that both she and Caroline Voznijacki, entertains with top golfer. Chosen Voznijacki Mekilroj Rori is officially the best golfer in the world, and our Ana is in connection with Australians Adam Scotus.

" Yes, it seems that this is a new trend , joked Ana. - Last week I saw with Adam, Maybe there we can see if he stays in Florida after his first tournament and my participation in the tournament in Miami after the competition here in Indian Wells"

Interview via http://www.sportskacentrala.com/

Latest News About Ana

2012-03-10T18:06:00.000-08:00

The Rogers Cup Twitter account (@CoupeRogers) confirmed that Ana will play in Montreal from August 6-13. Her best result was winning this tournament in 2006. Last year, Ana lost to Vinci in the third round.

The Twitter account of Matt Cronin (@TennisReporters) said that Ana could play Fed Cup against Russia. As the home nation, Russia has chosen to play the tie on clay, an advantage for Ana because it is her favorite surface.

Ana on First Round Photos

2012-03-10T14:19:00.001-08:00

Ana def Larsson 6-1 6-2 and advanced to the third round in Indian Wells

2012-03-10T13:14:00.002-08:00

Ana has reached the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells as she ousted Johanna Larsson of Sweden 6-1, 6-2 in just over an hour.

Ana had 3 aces , 4 double faults , 53% first serve , 5/18 Break points won and 65 total the points won

Ana quickly found her feet against Larsson and earned an early break, but she was re-broken one game later.and winning the first set 6-1

However, Ana was clearly the better player, sealing six games in a row as she took the opening set and went a break up in the second.

She added one more break and cruised into a 5-1 lead.Ana squandered two match points on the Larsson serve, but eventually wrapped up the match in style, winning the final game to love.

In the next match, Ana will face Nº17 seed Shuai Peng from china or Ksenia Pervak . This match will play on monday

More Pics of Ana's practise before the first Round

2012-03-10T13:05:00.001-08:00

Pics via TalkAbourTennis

Ana Ivanovic training with Caroline Wozniacki on Stadium 1

2012-03-10T10:50:00.001-08:00

Ana after the practise today

2012-03-09T15:15:00.001-08:00

Pics via TalkAboutTennis

Ana practicing this morning

2012-03-09T14:20:00.001-08:00

Ana at Indian wells player party

2012-03-09T07:15:00.002-08:00

Ana vs Larsson Second Round of Indian Wells

2012-03-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

In the second round of Indian Wells, Ana will face world #67 Johanna Larsson of Sweden. Larsson advanced when Greta Arn retired from their first-round match with Larsson leading 4-1.

They have split their two previous meetings, the first in Luxembourg 2010 when Ana won easily in straight sets 6-3 6-0. In the first round of Roland Garros last year, Larsson avenged that loss by defeating Ana 7-6 0-6 6-2.

In Ana's last tournament, Dubai, she played very well while defeating Schiavone and Kirilenko before losing to Wozniacki and leaving her win/loss record for the year at 7-5. Larsson did not start the year very well and has a 3-4 record including her first-round match here.

Ana will play this match on Saturday at a time to be decided. We hope that it will be a good match for her!

Ana after the practise today

2012-03-08T17:13:00.001-08:00

Source : TalkAboutTennis

More Pics of Ana's Practise

2012-03-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

Pics via Flickr ib1b4u

Ana Training in Indian Wells

2012-03-06T10:57:00.001-08:00

Photo shoot with John Russo Video

2012-03-05T21:44:00.002-08:00

Ana from her Facebook

2012-03-05T17:45:00.002-08:00

It feels good to be back in Indian Wells. It's such a beautiful place - I'm a little bit jealous of the people who live here! It often brings the best out of me on the court, and I'm hoping for another strong performance this year.

Facebook

Indian Wells Draw

2012-03-05T17:38:00.002-08:00

Ana is in action at the BNP Paribas Open, which begins in Indian Wells on Wednesday. The 23-year-old is seeded 15th and consequently receives a bye in the first round.

She will play either Johanna Larsson from sweden or qualifier in round two, on Friday or Saturday. Provided Ana can overcome that hurdle, she could face 17th seed Shuai Peng in the third round, while compatriot and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki is a possible fourth round adversary.

Should she reach the last eight could face Marion Bartoli from france or Francesca Schiavone . Two seed Maria Sharapova from Russia and sicth seed Samantha Stosur could await in the semi-finals.

Ana is in the bottom half of the draw, so she cannot meet any player from the top half including top seed Victoria Azarenka No. 3 Petra Kvitova , No. 5 Agnieszka Radwanks and No. 8 Na li

Last year, Ana was dispatched in the quarterfinals by Marion Bartoli from France 4-6 6-7. However, the former world No. 1 retains good memories of the tournament, having reached the final in 2008 and 2009.

Main Draw here

Another pic from the photo shoot

2012-03-04T14:42:00.002-08:00

Here's another pic from the photo shoot. Pic is from the Park Hyatt Resort facebook page

Photo shoot teaser

2012-03-03T15:19:00.001-08:00

Ana this week took part in a photo shoot with renowned Hollywood fashion photographer John Russo.

Russo shot Ana last year in Las Vegas for the cover of Vanidades and Cosmopolitan (Serbia).

Images from the spectacular shoot, which took place at the Park Hyatt Aviara in San Diego, will be published in the coming months.

Ana from her Facebook : "Here's a behind-the-scenes pic from a photo shoot I did with John Russo this week at the Park Hyatt Aviara near San Diego. John and his team are extremely talented and always make the shoots fun.

http://www.johnrussophoto.com/

Source: Official website

Win an autographed Ana Ivanovic Adidas dress

2012-03-01T07:08:00.002-08:00

Seen as one of the of the most charismatic and crafty players on the WTA, Serbian sensation Ana Ivanovic has seen her career include the world No. 1 ranking and a grand slam crown at the 2008 French Open.

Whether it’s traveling the world or signing autographs for her millions of fans, Ivanovic has played close to 450 professional matches—all with Adidas clothing and footwear.

Just in time for the March events in Indian Wells and Miami, Ivanovic and Adidas want to provide you with a chance at winning a signed adiZero dress from the super star.

To have a chance at winning an autographed dress by the Serb, provide your thoughts on your favorite Ivanovic match below in the comment area.

Kindly provide your email in the name handle of your post.The winner will be contacted by Adidas via email.

click here to participate

Ana from her facebook

2012-02-29T06:49:00.003-08:00

It's funny to think I've been on three continents already this year - none of them Europe - and it's not even March! It's kind of a strange lifestyle that we lead as tennis players and I do miss home. But the next stop is Indian Wells, one of my favourite places to visit. If you ever get the chance to come to this tournament I really recommend it

Facebook

Latest Updates of 2012 season

2012-02-24T21:27:00.003-08:00

Last Updates

*Singles Record : 7 - 5

*Doubles Record :

*Fed Cup :

*Titles :

*Current Ranking : Nº 17 with 2585

*Ranking Champions race : Nº 21 with 531

*Singles Tournament : Brisbane 2nd , Sydney 1st and Australian Open 4th , Doha 2nd , Dubai Quarter-finals

*Doubles Tournament :

*Money won the 2012 : $140,323

*Ace: 42

*Double Faults : 50

*Finals :

Best Results : Quarterfinals Dubai and Fourth Round Australian Open

Next Tournaments : Indian Wells and Miami

Gulf News Interview

2012-02-24T21:04:00.003-08:00

The question is simple: tennis or life? There was, or what seemed to be, a tinkle that sliced through the air: a sound that emanates when two champagne flutes, made of the finest crystal, meet in a toast.

The few inches of empty space between the interviewer and interviewee is sprinkled by that sound. In truth it was a giggle that escaped from Ana Ivanovic's mouth, but the reverberation from it was precious.

"I think it's life," said Ivanovic, "Because it is something that you have. Being healthy, having great people around you. That's important and something that I value a lot. My family has always been my biggest support and without them I wouldn't be here. That is one part of my life, a big part. It shaped my being basically. The people around you know your character and when all this wears out you can have a normal existence and raise your kids normally."

Ivanovic is nothing if not pragmatic about her current state. She has tasted fame, climbed the dizzying heights of it and breathed in the rarified air. She has also flirted outrageously with the fates and lost.

Perhaps, it is because of this that she is so engaging. Many young professional players of her ilk on the WTA Tour have had their lives spun and doctored into setting outrageously high goals, in order to live up to the expectations of their families, the fans, the media, the sponsors and lastly themselves.

Ivanovic — a former world No 1 who won her first grand slam at 21 in 2008 — gamely carries on today just trying to win the next match she plays in from one tournament to another.

In sporting parlance, such a phenomenon is simply referred to as ‘going to work'. But it is a lot more than that for a top-flight athlete whose potential and talent outshone her performances. It is a search for that one important missing link that puts the pieces of the puzzle back together again.

Andre Agassi went through that phase after striding across the world of tennis like a colossus. He still had lucrative contracts - just like Ivanovic right now - and his own private jet, but he flew in it to play Challengers because his ranking simply wasn't good enough to get him into main draws anymore. In the end, the confidence is tempered by humility and an outlook that is realistic.

It's not as if she is wallowing in the depths of women's tennis. Ivanovic's current ranking - 18 - may be modest and proportionate with her on-court earnings - $140,323 for the year to February 20 - but she's not struggling to pay her bills.

Gifted with angelic looks, a persona which radiates simplicity and an ability to speak intelligently, she is an advertiser's dream, but not because she's just a pretty face. Ana is real, she is human and she is not synthetic. Forbes endorsed these qualities when they had her high on their list of rich female athletes with an off court income in excess of $7 million, last year.

In Ana's world, however, those assets are subsidiary. She is battling to make a testimony as a tennis player of note and this struggle is being enacted week in and week out, from one country to another, on the courts. It is the means to an end and the Dubai Tennis Championships is part of that schedule.

"I really hope I am on my way back," she confessed. "It has been a very tough two years. I was taking things for granted. At first everything seemed easy, I was winning a lot of matches and getting a lot of success, but now I have learnt to appreciate the good times, because in your career there are always going to be ups and downs no matter what you do. What is important is how you deal with the downs and I feel that because of this I am more experienced as a player."

Mind over matter

The history of tennis is rich with the stories of players who have served evidence of their outrageous talent, only to find their careers slowly and steadily coming apart. Ivanovic is familiar with the tales of fellow Serbs Jelena Dokic and Jelena Jankovic, who is currently battling her own demons, and she is determined not to become a statistic. Breakdowns happen for a variety of reasons: some are technical, others can be mental Ivanovic is smart enough to recognise that sometimes it can be a combination of both factors.

"When you lose a few matches, doubts begin to creep into your mind,' she said. "It is all about finding that fine balance. My game wasn't matching my mental state and sometimes it was vice versa, so it was a combination of both forces that made me slip. I think that if you want to be at the top in professional sports, then all the essentials have to be married to each other.

"Which means that staying at the top is more difficult than the process of actually getting there? "It is, definitely," she agreed, adding: "When I got the No. 1 ranking I felt that someone had placed a bulls eye on my back - everyone wants to beat you and that's a challenging thing. This was a new experience for me and it was unfortunate that I had a few injuries to cope with at that time.

"So I took a few breaks and then, when I returned, I faced a couple of tough losses which, in turn, played with my mind because up to that point I was only winning, or fighting my way out of tough situations. Then I suddenly found myself at the top and I wasn't prepared for it.

"Fortunately for her, Ivanovic adopts a workmanlike approach to her craft. She knows that she can be a diva and, judging by the reception she gets on the court and off it, it would not be out of place for her to attain that mindset, but she knows that it does not pay to constantly pander to the expectations of others.

"Expectations are always there," she said. ‘Even I have expectations from myself and I see myself as one player and the player I can't be - people keep saying that I am coming back, but it's their opinion and I have tried to do the best thing that I can possibly do

."So now it's all down to the basics: being happy about her game and optimistic about her prospects. "Even when I was struggling I still had the best intentions in my heart and it just wasn't working. I wasn't finding the right balance and the right people, so you know it's very important to get up and keep going as long as you have the belief that you can achieve what you have set out to achieve," she said.

For the most part, Ivanovic has discovered the root of her problems - it is paralysis by analysis.

"I am stubborn and determined," she said, smiling. ‘I am very emotional and I can cry easily and that's why I have some big highs and very big lows, so it can work for you or even against you.

"It's not just about the tennis, however. There is the constant fight not to give in to the gravitational pull of the glitz and allure of the women's tour, the fact that there is ‘another' Ana Ivanovic who the sponsors, the agents and the marketing men pay top dollar to see unleashed. Ivanovic is not hot property because of her tennis and this is surprising.

On closer inspection, when weighing up the amount of substance that is packed into that slim, lithe, tall figure - that inspires people to buy everything from watches to sporting goods and even the fruit juices that she endorses - one is forced to concede that she has got style and style never goes out of fashion.

What Ivanovic has done is immerse herself in her tennis and walk down the road less travelled. She has shown that she has character - coupled with beauty - and this can command an enormous price tag and increase the value of her equity. Companies who respect these ethics, because it reflects their own core values, understand it better than most: prior to the Dubai Tennis Championships, tournament owners Dubai Duty Free recognised her potency and signed her on as their Global Brand Ambassador.

"It's important to understand that you have to dedicate time to your sponsors, to have relationships with the people and the media, but it is also hard when you are first coming up and your primary focus is on tennis," said Ivanovic philosophically.

"Suddenly you find that there are all the other commitments that you have to do and it's not only time consuming, but also tiring, physically and mentally. You have to apply yourself, which you are not used to doing, so that's the first thing one has to learn. You have to accept that all this is a part of it and manage it in the best possible way."

Valuing her privacy

Having worked out the pros and cons of fame and the price that it can extort, Ivanovic is aware that the initial hunger for craving recognition is replaced with an urgent need for privacy when fame, accompanied by an entourage of extra baggage, comes knocking.

"The grass is always greener on the other side," she said. "You always want something that you don't have. That's the story of everyone's life. I have never really found myself comfortable in that kind of limelight. I like to have my privacy. I don't like people knowing what I do in my free time. I am also a very shy person, but I understand that people want to know more. It's all about the fine balance and accepting things as they are, because if you don't accept it and fight it then it gets you down."

Currently ranked at No. 18 on the WTA Tour, Ivanovic hovers around the top 10 on talent alone. This is why she does not subscribe to the view that someone can be popular simply by being a good player.

"It's one thing to achieve big things in your career and it's another to be the kind of person that you are, because in the end that's what you are left with," she stated. "Fame and success and titles stay with you, but they wear out eventually. In the end all that you are left with is your character. I think through this sport we see different characters — I see players like Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Rafael Nadal] and they show so much respect for each other, the game and everything in it. They are so much above what they have achieved and that's a great value to have."

This is why people cannot help but notice that through her period of trial and tribulations — and those days are far from over — Ivanovic has coped with grace and even developed her own unique personality. "I really just try to enjoy the game and hope that I can inspire young kids. I started playing tennis because of Monica Seles and I try to promote the sport in the best possible way. Sometimes it's hard because you get upset on court, but I think in life one learns through experiences in order to evolve as a person.

"We are constantly learning and, when that's not the case, we stop believing. It's important to learn from every experience - some are unpleasant, but that's one thing that I have learnt: not everything is great."

Though she may still be a work in progress there is a school of thought that subscribes to the view that, when her schooling is complete Ivanovic she will be remembered for being a decent, honest and straight-talking tennis professional and, in most cases, perhaps smarter than we all think.

"When I got to No. 1, I found that everything was a struggle. You realise that you have to make choices and you can't have everything at the same time. I think it's important then to be happy with yourself and what you have and work yourself to be the best around it. It's challenging, but then that's also the beauty of it," she explained.

Channelling the intensity, that's the key to Ivanovic's game plan. Those who can deal with failure can also be classified as winners. The process helps to strengthen their character and then they are tougher than most.

Ivanovic's conversion from champion to tragedienne may not happen simply because today she is far more popular and happy on so many levels than she was when at the peak of her career.

As far as progression goes, one could do a lot worse.

Source : http://gulfnews.com/

Interview : Dubai Quarter-finals

2012-02-24T13:03:00.000-08:00

ANA IVANOVIC

Questions, please.Q. How would you cap thisperformance here?

ANA IVANOVIC: The performancehere?

Q. Yeah.

ANA IVANOVIC: I mean, I had couple ofgreat matches, you know. Today was good attimes, but not consistent enough.It's a bit disappointing for sure.

Q. Do you see any improvements?What sort of aspects have you improvedupon?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I feel I'm moreconsistent. Today I was just lacking a bit morepatience at times. I was going for too much toosoon.

When I was going for it, I wasn't goingfor it at the right times. That's a little bitdisappointing.

Q. If you were to judge, how far areyou from your best, let's say, French Open2008?

ANA IVANOVIC: I mean, it's hard to tell.I think you can't really compare it. Maybe theway I was playing at that time is not going to begood enough at this time the way tennis and thegame is developing.

Q. Jelena has a house here. Wouldyou think or have you thought about movinghere maybe?

ANA IVANOVIC: I struggle to find timeto go to Belgrade as it is, you know, and to havea place here I think would be hard. But it wouldbe very nice.

Q. Would you think about it?

ANA IVANOVIC: Not at the moment.Like I said, I don't have enough time -- as muchtime to go to Belgrade as I would like.

Q. What made the difference betweenyou two tonight?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think inconsistencyfrom my side, you know, and too many doublefaults also.

Q. Were you going for too much?

ANA IVANOVIC: At times, yeah, thewrong shots, you know. I tried to put pressure onher, but I felt like on my serve I wasn't asexplosive as I was and I was lacking a little bit ofthat intensity.

When you play against top players, youhave to be prepared to work hard for every point.I was, but sometimes I wanted it too soon. Thatcost me today.

Q. Still, there wasn't very much in it,was there? One hold of serve here andanother one there and it would have been adifferent match.

ANA IVANOVIC: It was very, very close.Even despite the things I didn't do right I still hadlots of opportunities, and that's definitely apositive thing.

But, you know, it's very disappointingafter having couple of good matches just that Iwasn't as consistent today.

Still, a lot to learn from. Overall I'mpretty happy with my week. I had couple of reallytough matches. You know, like I said it's aprocess. Sometimes you have little setbacks.Today I lost against a really good player.

Q. The toss on the serve, was thatpart of the problem?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, today it was. Itwas just a little bit because I was unsettled and Itried to rush and go for it too much.

But then at times I served really nicelywhen I sort of relaxed and tried to play within alittle bit more. Rather than think about what I'mgoing to do to hurt her, concentrate on my ownserve. It's something that I have to be aware of in the feature

Q. You were saying the other day thatyou still need to work on your backhand.Caroline seemingly tonight made a point ofkeeping it away from your forehand quite abit. She was working you on the backhandwing. Is it nice have to that practice? Andalso, the fact that Wozniacki didn't want to gointo your forehand side?

ANA IVANOVIC: I mean, the sore leftside of my back tells how many backhands I'vehit this week. Yeah, you know, that's somethingthat everyone is going to go, and I know it and Ithink it improved. It's something that I still wantto get better at, but you still have to be completeplayer in order to win slams.

I think backhand is still a solid shot. Imissed few today that I was a little bit too close,but it was just a footwork matter.

That's what Ifelt I was lacking at times.But, you know, I think my backhand is asgood as forehand when I need it.

Q. Where do you go from who are?America presumably.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, probably.America probably and try to prepare for IndianWells and, you know, try to keep playing outdoorand try to do the right thing by body and mind.

Q. What would be a good year for youthis year? Getting back into the top 10?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely gettingback to top 10. And playing in Istanbul, theChampionships, that would be my ultimate goalfor this year.

Q. That would be your main targetthis year?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yes.

Q. Talk a little bit about coaching.We've been talking to some of the playersabout on-court coaching, yes, no. SamStosur doesn't want to do it; Jelena now saysshe doesn't want to do it. You would likehave to Nigel come on and talk to you quite alot, would you?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, it depends. Itreally depends. I mean, sometimes I call him outof superstition; sometimes I call him because Ifeel like I want to chat if player is having physiotimeout.

So sometimes I call him if I really feel likehe can step up and help. But it's tough, becauseat the Grand Slams we don't have that, youknow, and that's when it matters the most.

So, you know, it's nice to have that help,and sometimes one trigger can make adifference. But, yeah, I think it's fine. You know,I think it's fun that players have that opportunity.

Q. Will you go away feelingencouraged from what's happened here, doyou think?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, disappointeddefinitely. I don't think I'm going to get muchsleep tonight. But, you know, definitelymotivated as well, because I feel like I achieveda fair bit this week.

You know, I overcame and beat somegood players, and that's a positive thing. I did afew good things out there. I'm going to try andbuild on that and try to keep getting fitter andbetter and stronger.

Q. Do you often sleep badly afterlosses?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, yeah. But alsoafter late-night matches it's quite hard to go tosleep. You can just imagine how muchadrenaline you have. It's kind of hard to calmdown.

Q. What do you do, read?

ANA IVANOVIC: Sometimes just stareat the ceiling. (Laughter.) Yeah, sometimes it'simpossible to read. That's one thing that I can'tdo after, you know, a quite exhausting match.

You probably just end up listening tomusic and watching something on TV, or, yeah,staring at the ceiling.

Q. Do you want to talk to people or beon your own?

ANA IVANOVIC: Most of the time I wantto be on my own. Most of the times that's goodadvice I can give to others, to not talk to me.

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Photos : Dubai quarter-finals

2012-02-23T12:56:00.001-08:00

Ana out of Dubai

2012-02-23T12:51:00.002-08:00

Ana suffered another disappointing defeat against world #4 Caroline Wozniacki by 6-3 7-5 in the quarterfinal. The match lasted 1 hour and 33 minutes. Ana struck 3 aces and 9 double faults, converting 4 of 11 break points.

She took the initiative in most of the rallies, hitting 30 winners in two sets, but her inconsistency proved her undoing as she also struck 51 unforced errors. At least, she decided her own fate and showed confidence by never retreating from her aggressive tactics.

Her next tournament will be Indian Wells, which begins on March 7. Last year, she played well there, defeating Jankovic (then a top-10 player) before losing to Bartoli in the quarterfinals. In each of the two previous years when she reached the Dubai quarterfinals, she reached the final in Indian Wells.

Interview : Dubai 2nd

2012-02-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

ANA IVANOVIC

.Q. That was good in the end, butthere were a few ups and downs.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. Imean, it was a little bit strange match, I wouldsay, especially the second set. There was justso many breaks and so many return winners.

You know, it was just very strange and itwas hard to get the rhythm. There were not toomany long rallies and then all of a sudden oneyou would have one.

So I really thought I managed well tokeep my composure in the tiebreak, despitebeing 3-Love up, going 4-3 down, you stillmanaging to win.

Q. Was it a little unsettlingbeforehand whether you were actually goingto play or not? She pulled out of doubles andthen there were wrong reports she pulled outof the singles as well.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, you know, it wasactually in my mind because everyone was sortof approaching me and telling me this. I keptgetting these messages. I'm like, Well, I don'tknow anything. I have to prepare myself like I'mgoing to play, yet everyone was saying opposite.

So it was a little bit hard and it was littlebit unsettling I must say in the first set. But then,you know, I managed to win that set quite easily.

Middle of the set I could tell she was fine.Then I just had to go down to businessand just try to work my way through the match.

Q. How much of a key to your gameis your serve? It's been a problem, hasn't it,in the past sometimes? You said the otherday you think it's improving.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it is. I think inAustralia I had really high percentage of my firstserves. I must say today it wasn't great. I wasn'treally happy with it. It held well in the tiebreakwhen I needed it. You know, on 4-3 down Iserved two good serves, and that was very, veryimportant.

But, you know, it's still work in progress.I just really felt unsettled today. It was a little bitof a strange match, so I really want to try andfocus on the next one and try to improve.

Q. Nigel said in Australia that part ofhis job was getting you to believe in yourselfa bit more and getting you to see that you aremore of a champion. Is it a question of beliefwith you, would you say, at times perhaps?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I tell you, in thepractice I can do any shot you can imagine. Youknow, it's great. I really practice well. It's matterof applying that in the matches.I think that belief and confidence comesin winning matches.

There is no other way tofake it. That's something that maybe I lack alittle, just that continuity in winning matches andgetting deep into tournaments.

But matches like today, you know,toughening it out and getting through that match,and match like last night where I played reallygood tennis, it's all positive steps towards thatconfidence.

Q. And yesterday you said that youstill had confidence your game couldmatchup against the best. It's likely to sounda bit presumptuous, but it's likely you'll faceWozniacki next. You looking forward to that?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I look forward toplay whoever is going to win that match. I thinkit's tough match for both of them. I've beenwatching Simona; she's been playing some goodtennis as well.

I think they're a little bit differentopponents. I think. I think I never played Halep,though. It's going to be tough match no matterwhat. Will be a good challenge for me.

I would love to play Caroline. Wehaven't played in a while, and I was alwayslooking forward though that challenge.

Q. Is Maria Sharapova someone youcould look to take a leaf out of almost?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think she won GrandSlam while I was still playing juniors.

Q. No, no. You won the French in2008 and her last was Australia 2008. Soyou've won before her in that regard.

ANA IVANOVIC: Okay. No, I mean,she's definitely great champion and great player.She's someone tennis needs. We need playerslike this. You know, it's unfortunate she's nothere this week.

But definitely there is a lot of things youcan learn from other players, you know, a lot ofthings that young kids can learn from her oranyone else that's in the top.

Q. You talked about confidence.Have you ever worked with a sportspsychologist?

ANA IVANOVIC: No, I never really did.Yeah, I don't know. I really felt like -- I felt likethe problem -- it was confidence, but it wasbecause not everything in my game was sort ofmatching.

It was always whether it was physical orit was my tennis or it was my serve. Never I felt Ihad every part of my game working well, sotherefore, it was always tough and always had tobattle something.

And then, you know, the real situation iswhen you feel like everything is in place. Andwhen I said once I feel everything is in place andI still can't see the results or I still struggle, that'smaybe when I'll think of seeing someone.(Smiling.)

Q. When was the last time everythingwas in place?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, you know, it'sgetting there. I can't really complain now. I'mreally happy the way everything is going.

I also accepted that's it's going to be aprocess and sometimes it might not be the quickone. It's also a matter of enjoying it.

We create so much stress for ourselves,and I think girls tend to do that more than guysprobably. You know, you try to let that go, andthat's not every day easy.

But you enjoy it more and then itbecomes game like once was when I wasstarting.

Q. Nigel told me today in thebreakfast room that you were no longergluten-free. Now, because Novak and AndyMurray are sort of extolling the virtues of agluten-free diet, why did you decide itwasn't?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I try still to avoidpasta and I eat rice. But sometimes you don'thave an option, and I'll have a piece of bread ifI'm starving and there is nothing else to have.

I just try not to be too obsessed about it.I still try to eat healthy and I avoid some thingthat I know they are bad for me.

But, you know, most of the people arekind of intolerant to gluten or dairy or whatever itis. I think it's matter of a little bit relaxing and,you know, eating what your body asks for.

Q. You're very fashion conscious.Why don't your nails match your tennisdress?

ANA IVANOVIC: You know, everyonedoes that all the time. Everyone matcheseverything. I said, You know what? I can't do it.It's such a cliche. I had issue on this one today.

FastScripts by ASAP

Nigel Sears discussing of Ana

2012-02-22T13:19:00.001-08:00

There can be no quick fix for Ana Ivanovic’s return to the world’s elite in the women’s game but according to Nigel Sears, the coach appointed to revitalize the former world no.1’s game, the long term plan is right of schedule.

Ivanovic moved through in the Dubai Duty Free Championships with a 6-1,7-5 win in the battle of former French Open champions against Francesca Schiavone and the 24 year-old from Serbia is back up to no.18 on the WTA rankings.

“Bit by bit she is getting back to the standard Ana wants but there is no quick fix and you cannot just flick a switch and she’s suddenly playing the sort of tennis to win Grand Slam titles again,” said Sears who was appointed after Wimbledon last year.

“There have been some very good performances in the recent few months, she did OK at the Australian Open and there have been a couple of other occasions when she did extremely well like winning the title in Bali at the end of last year. But it’s a process which requires patience and it’s an on going process.”

Last week at the Qatar Total Open in Doha, Ivanovic lost disappointingly in the second round against Petra Cetkovska of the Czech Republic but the performance against Schiavone was far more encouraging .

“It was a real battle and there were a couple of stages in the match where Ana really had to dig deep,” said Sears who returned to the WTA scene after a spell masterminding the revitalization of the British women’s game at the Lawn Tennis Association. “She suffered a really difficult couple of years with a number of injuries that didn’t help.

“It’s probably fair to say she won a major title too early in her career and it was always going to be difficult after that point so a lot of things needed to worked on. It’s a great challenge and I now see really encouraging signs that everything is coming together and she is really moving in the right direction again.”

Source : http://www.10sballs.com

Ana Ivanovic making headway under Nigel Sears

2012-02-22T12:45:00.003-08:00

Former world No.1 Ana Ivanovic is delighted with the progress she has made since linking up with Nigel Sears, former head of women's tennis at the LTA, last June .

Ana Ivanovic’s relationships with her coaches have often been short-lived, but the former world No.1 has been encouraged by her progress under Nigel Sears. Ivanovic has been working with the Briton since last summer and has already seen improvements in her game. Sears, the former head of women’s tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association, is one of the most experienced coaches in the sport, with Daniela Hantuchova among his previous charges.

“I think there have been a lot of improvements since we started working together,” Ivanovic said at the Dubai Duty Free Championships, where she reached the quarter-finals with a 6-2, 7-6 victory today over Maria Kirilenko. “It's a work in progress. It takes time to get to know each other and see whether you work well together or not, but I think the improvements have been great. The biggest improvements were actually made in the off-season. That was the first time we had time to work on things. My serve definitely needed improvement, and my forehand, as well as my backhand a little bit.”

She added: “I always thought my forehand was my best shot, but every coach I’ve started working with has said: ‘All right, we're going to change your forehand.’ I'm like: ‘What's the deal with that?’ But I must say I agree with Nigel, because I did sometimes have a tendency to flatten out my forehand too much. At times it would have been a lottery, so I’m just trying to work on more spin and heaviness for the balls so it can stay [strong] under the pressure.”

Sears has been a calming influence on a player who acknowledges that she can get too intense about her work. “I think he understands me as a player and a person,” she said. “He's also very calm throughout my matches. I'm like: ‘Show a little bit more emotion!’ But I think it's really good because I'm a perfectionist and I try to do everything right and sometimes get too excited. He tries to keep it a little bit calm, even though I know it's not easy sometimes.”

Source : http://www.tennishead.net

Photos : Dubai 2nd

2012-02-22T12:09:00.002-08:00

Ana defeated Kirilenko and reached the quarterfinals in Dubai

2012-02-22T12:03:00.003-08:00

Ana Ivanovic defeated Maria Kirilenko 6-2 7-6 in 1 hour and 52 minutes. Ana struck seven aces with two double faults and converted 6 of 10 break point opportunities.

In the first set, Ana started ahead and led 4-0 before Kirilenko won the next two games. But Ana continued to take advantage of her opportunities and won the first set 6-2.

In the second set, Ana and Kirilenko traded breaks in the first five games until Kirilenko held serve in the sixth game to lead 4-2. Then Ana drew level at 4-4 after a game in which she saved a break point. Afterwards, Ana and Kirilenko comfortably held their serve until they reached a tiebreak, when Ana took control of the situation. She won the tiebreak 7-4 to take the set and the match.

In the next match, Ana will face world #4 Caroline Wozniacki. She will play this match tomorrow at center Court Not before : 19:00

Interview Dubai 1st Round

2012-02-22T04:25:00.001-08:00

Ana Ivanovic def Schavone 6-1 7-5

Q. It was a tough first round to get,wasn't it?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it was. I mean,it's such a small draw you can't really get an easyone. We always had long and tough matches. Iwas really impressed the way I started the matchand played that first set, because I knew that wasnot going to, you know, probably last the secondset. (Smiling.)

She stepped up and she really hung inthere and gave me a tough match in the secondset.

Q. When you went to serve out thematch for the first time, did it make younervous?

ANA IVANOVIC: Not really. Not morethan initially. No, I really actually tried not tothink about the score today. I struggled couple ofgames from that side serving, and that kind ofplayed in my mind a little bit. I tried to stayaggressive and tried to mix up, and I wasprobably trying too hard to do that.

So, you know, I'm really happy I stayedcalm and won that game on 5-All. Because I hadchances and then it got to 40-30, so I'm reallyhappy that I managed to break 5-All.

Q. You don't see many players sendfor their coach just before they're about toserve for the match. What was yourthinking?

ANA IVANOVIC: I didn't. He stood up. Ihad no choice. (Laughter.) Actually I saw himtrying to stand up few times on 4-5. I'm like,What are you doing? Let me be.

Q. What did he say?

ANA IVANOVIC: He just said, You'redoing a good job. Just keep at it and beaggressive and step up and don't, you know, tryto make it, just go for it.

Q. Was it in the back of your mind atall that perhaps you may not have to play thenext match because Maria was injured today?She has a neck injury.

ANA IVANOVIC: I did not hear aboutthat. I didn't look past the match tonight. I knewit was going to be a tough one. It's never easy toplay Francesca.

Q. What difference is it making toyour tennis working with Nigel?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's been a lot ofimprovements actually since we started workingtogether. It's a work in progress and it takes timeto get to know each other and see whether youwork good together or not.

I think the improvements have beengreat. The biggest improvement were actuallymade in off-season. That was the first time wehad time to work on things. My serve, definitelyneeded improvement, and also my forehand,and, you know, still my backhand a little bit.

So just overall, you know, still trying toget base game there and build on that. We stillhave a lot of work to do, but it's exciting.

Q. Your forehand was one of yourbiggest weapons.

ANA IVANOVIC: I know. That's thestory of my life. I always thought my forehandwas my best shot, and every coach I startedworking with, they're like, All right. We're goingto change your forehand. I'm like, What's dealwith that?

But I must say I agree with Nigel,because I did have tendency to flatten out myforehand sometimes too much. It would havebeen at times lottery, so just trying to work onmore spin and heaviness for the balls so it canstay under the pressure.

Q. What are Nigel's qualities as acoach? You've had a number of coaches. Ishe different to other coaches?

ANA IVANOVIC: I think he understandsme as a player and a person. I think that's a bigpart of it. You know, he's also very calmthroughout my matches. I'm like, Show a little bitmore emotion.

But I think it's really good, because I'mperfectionist and I try to do everything right andsometimes get too excited. He tries to keep it alittle bit calm, even though I know it's not easysometimes.

We communicate really good. Like Isaid, we have great understanding, and he canalso see how I feel and how I respond to certainwork and also know it's important have to propertime to prepare, proper time to rest. We travel somuch and we work so hard, so it's important torest. Many coaches just push through andplayers end up having too many injuries.

Q. You've been working with him nowfor seven or eight months. You're still - Ithink it's fair to say - a little bit unpredictable,a little bit up and down. How long do youthink it will take you to get the consistencyyou need?

ANA IVANOVIC: It's really hard to say.You know, I mean, yeah, I wish it would be fromthis week onwards. It's always going to be upand down. We have so many tournaments, somany competitions, and you can't really, youknow, play great every week - unless your NovakDjokovic.

It's tough and it's always going to be upand down. I really hope to get my level up at thestage where I can compete consistently likethrough the semis and finals and stay deep in atournament.

Q. Since you were world No. 1 there'sbeen another wave of the players inWozniacki, Kvitova, Azarenka, all maybe two,three years younger than you. Do you thinkthere is no reason why you can't get back tobeing as good as them?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah. You know, it'sreally strange at 24 you're considered old. I thinkthey're playing great. It's a great challenge forus, for players that have been around for a while.They're pushing us to improve and get better.

I really believe that I can get back to thetop and that I can be in the mix to win GrandSlams then.

That's why I'm here, that's why I'mworking hard.If that wasn't going to happen or if I didn'thave feeling that can happen, I wouldn't be here.

Q. You said last year that you wererather envious of Novak and his team, that hehad so much fun playing tennis. A year on,do you feel as if there is more relaxation,more of that air in your own camp?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I try to bringthat. You know, my team is quite small now,which is nice. You know, there is less stress.You know, we really work good together and wetry have to fun and to relax. It's important.

It's still different. I think you cannot reallycompare girls and guys mentality. It's a lotdifferent. (Smiling.)

So, you know, as much as I can, youknow, I try to enjoy it and take it lighthearted.Sometimes it's a bit hard.

Q. Can I ask you one question abouttennis in Serbia? You've had this fantasticgeneration - you and Jelena, and in the men,Novak, Janko, Viktor - but there aren't many18, 19, 20 year olds, are there, who arepushing to get at the top? Is it difficult, doyou think, for the next generation of Serbianplayers because of the standards that youhave set?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. Andthen also what I feel like the players that are sortof one or two generations behind us, they hadsimilar system that we had. It was really tough,because we had to sort of look for opportunitiessometimes outside because with didn't have allthe facilities in Serbia.

But I think the younger ones now canreally step up. We can help them and we cansort of develop and promote tennis and givethem advices. Because there are so manytalented kids, and everyone now plays tennis,and that's great to see.

Still, Bojana is doing really well and she'syoung, she's improving. It's exciting, I think.

Q. I spoke to Bojana, and she saidshe thinks that maybe it's a problem that theyounger players get good support from theFederation now, which you didn't have, andmaybe it's better to come through like youdid when you had to really fight foreverything.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, sometimes it is,you know, and it really challenges your characterand makes you tougher. I think it's good forthose young kids to have the support, because,you know, when it gets tough, you know, theyhave people who can push them and give themadvice.It's good to see that that's developingand people are willing to invest and supportthem.

I had great support from my family, andthat's always been a big part for me. Not everykid is that fortunate. They have to a good systemas well.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports

Ana on first Round

2012-02-21T10:59:00.000-08:00

Ana def Schiavone 6-1 7-5 and advanced to the second Round in Dubai

2012-02-21T10:35:00.002-08:00

Today on Center Court, Ana Ivanovic defeated world #11 and 2010 Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone in straight sets 6-1 7-5. The match lasted 1 hour and 41 minutes. As she improved to 4-0 against the Italian, Ana struck one ace and seven double faults. She converted five of 23 break points.

In the first set, Ana started very well and quickly reached 5-0. When Schiavone served in the next game, she saved five set points to hold serve. In the next game, however, Ana served for the first set and won it comfortably 6-1.

In the second set, Ana and Schiavone held serve until 2-2. Ana broke Schiavone's serve in the next game, but Schiavone regained the break in the next game. The two players then held serve to 4-4, when Ana again broke her opponent's serve and had the opportunity to serve out the match at 5-4. But she could not convert, and Schiavone regained the break again. In the following game, the Italian lost her serve one more time. Ana then comfortably served out the set and the match 7-5.

Her next opponent will be Maria Kirilenko, who defeated Niculescu 6-3 6-0 yesterday. Ana will play the Russian tomorrow as the second match on Court 1.

Video of Ana at the Dubai International Airport yesterday

2012-02-21T07:05:00.002-08:00

Gulf News interview

2012-02-20T19:38:00.001-08:00

Ana Ivanovic is effortlessly beautiful. Drawing a crowd from the second she stepped from a car at Dubai International Airport's Terminal Three, the 24-year-old tennis star is a model — without the drama.

She didn't spend hours in hair and make-up or have her stylist pick out her dress. Instead, the former No 1 showered after practice, did her hair in the car and managed a quick stroke of lip gloss before cameras started rolling.

Filming a WTA promotional video ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, Ivanovic, accompanied by her mother, took the job in her 6ft 1in stride.

Departures…

Ivanovic looked longingly at the departures board and picked her dream destination. “I’d like to go to New York or London right now,” she said to the camera crew.

Passport control…

Polite and courteous to everyone she came into contact with, the currently ranked No 18 smiled and joked with the staff at passport control as she made her way into the departures hall

Emirates First Class Lounge…

If like me, you assume tennis players are used to first-class travel, think again. “I cannot believe the size and the facilities,” said a wide-eyed Ivanovic as she walked into the lounge. Ivanovic was then offered the chance to enjoy thefacilities when she leaves Dubai and could barely contain her excitement. “My flight is at 8 in the morning, so I’d have to get here early to enjoy it. Maybe I could sleep here. It’s better than most hotels.”

Shop, shop, shop…

The Dubai Duty Free arcade took her breath away. Not sure where to head first, Ivanovic scanned the options before settling on the Gold Souk. A kilogram gold bar fascinated the star and before long the staff had her coveredin traditional Arabic jewellery. One piece was priced at Dh62,000. “I’ll take two,” joked Ivanovic. The sports star delivered lines to the camera explaining gold was priced based on the weight rather than how beautiful or intricate each piece is. Marc Jacobs Daisy was the first point of call in the perfume department, with Ivanovic saying “it’sbeen my favourite for a while” and having a quick spritz

Dubai love...

Ivanovic has long been a fan of the city. “It’s always a place I am very happy to come to. It’swonderful to have seen it grow, change and develop and that ishappening all the time.” Inset: Ivanovic chats with Dubai Duty Free’s Sinead Al Sibai. Ivanovic wore…

Ivanovic wore…

A grey jersey dress with frills from Sydney-based designer Mrs Press. “I never know where my clothes are from, but I do remember seeing this in a boutique in Sydney and knowing it would be so comfortable.” Gorgeous Christian Louboutin flat pumps covered in Swarovski crystals completed the look.

Being Ivanovic…

Having picked up a racket at the age of five after watching Monica Seles, a fellow Yugoslav, on television, Ivanovic started her career after memorising the number of a local tennis clinic from an advertisement. In her early days she trained in an abandoned swimming pool in the winter, as there were no other facilities.

Source : Official website

Ana from her Facebook

2012-02-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Very busy day here in Dubai. I am proud to become a Global Brand Ambassador for Dubai Duty Free, the owners of the tournament here, and I took part in a press conference to announce that. I practised in the morning, and in the afternoon I did an autograph session. Looking forward to my match tomorrow.

Facebook

Ana signs Dubai Duty Free agreement

2012-02-20T07:05:00.003-08:00

Ana has become a Global Brand Ambassador of Dubai Duty Free, the world’s leading airport retailer. Dubai Duty Free is a major sponsor of the WTA, recently renewing its agreement through 2014.

"I am really flattered that Dubai Duty Free asked me to become its brand ambassador. It is a great company that has also been extremely supportive of women’s tennis. I always get excited about traveling to Dubai as it is one of the most exciting cities in the world," said Ana.

Ana, alongside fellow world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, will act as Dubai Duty Free’s brand ambassadors, star in the “Dubai Duty Free Full of Surprises Travel Show” - a unique short form-travel series which will be aired on TV and online - and conduct appearances at sporting events sponsored by Dubai Duty Free.

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free said: "We are delighted to have both Caroline and Ana as our brand ambassadors. Both players are supreme professionals and are excellent ambassadors for women’s tennis. We look forward to watching their progress at this year’s Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and to working with them on our ambassador programme for the year ahead."

Dubai Duty Free is the owner, organizer and title sponsor of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, a $2million event that begins today.

Source : Official website

Ana singning autographs in Dubai

2012-02-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Ana Ivanovic on for the "Full of Surprises" travel show presented by Dubai Duty Free.

2012-02-20T06:56:00.001-08:00

Dubai Tennis Main Draw

2012-02-18T06:53:00.003-08:00

Ana has been draw to face a No7 seed Francesca Schiavone in opening round of Dubai Duty free tennis champioship , which begins on monday .

In round two Ana would meet either Maria Kirilenko or Monica Niculescu . Third seed and defending champion Caroline Wozniacki is a posible quarterfinals opponent

Were she to reach the semi-finals . Ana could face either Top seed Victoria Azarenka or sixth seed Marion Bartoli

The seeded players in the bottom half of the draw, whom Ana cannot meet until the final are , No2 Petra Kvitova , No4 Samantha Stosur , No5 Agnieszka Radwanska and No8 Jelena Jankovic . among others

Main Draw here

Win Ana Ivanovic's yonex racket

2012-02-17T08:48:00.003-08:00

Win the YONEX EZONE XI 98IN, the racket which Ana Ivanovic plays with.

To enter, please tell us where Ivanovic occasionally practised as a child:

A – In a drained bathtub correct answer

B – In an empty swimming pool.

C – In an abandoned bus depot.

Please send your entry to competitions @thetennisspace.com

The winner will be randomly selected on Monday 5th March. Please note that this competition is only open to those who live in the United KIngdom. Please include your address and a contact telephone number in your entry.

Source : http://www.thetennisspace.com

Ana in Dubai

2012-02-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

A look at Centre Court at DubaiTennis during Ana Ivanovic's practice session

Pic via @WTA

Ana Ivanovic vs Suarez Navarro Highlights Doha 2012

2012-02-15T18:56:00.001-08:00

Uploaded for Top10TennisNetwork

Follow on twitter @Top10tennisNetw

Review of YONEX EZONE XI

2012-02-15T17:03:00.003-08:00

At first glance, the Yonex Ezone XI 98in looks something of a throwback. The famous Yonex almost square-topped shape is still there – and its slim-line frame is more 1970s than 2010s. But, for the better players, that is a good thing. As Ilie Nastase said when he spotted it in my bag and took it out for a look: “It’s a nice racket. Most of the players now play with this kind of thing because it has power but gives you better control."

Well, exactly. At an average weight of 310 grams, it is not overly light but is manoeuvrable enough for the more wristy players, while at the same time offering the solidity every player craves.

The power, particularly noticeable on serve, comes from Yonex’s QuadPower System and as the specs say, the racket is surprisingly effective at stopping the head twisting too much on impact with the ball.

According to Yonex. the name “XI” comes from the new “Extra Isometric headshape” which creates a bigger sweetspot, while “Neofade” helps to reduce vibration. Certainly it is comfortable to play with and the more advanced players will enjoy the easy power it creates, as well as the control.

Yonex’s X-Fullerene strengthens the top of the racket – it is noticeable that the racket-head doesn’t get away from you – and adds power to every shot. This is the racket used by Ana Ivanovic, the former world number one who has been showing signs of getting back towards the top after a shaky couple of years. If it can help Ana, then maybe it can help you.

Source : http://www.thetennisspace.com

Ana lost in Doha

2012-02-15T14:19:00.001-08:00

Today Ana suffered a frustrating loss to Petra Cetkovska in 76 minutes. Ana did not play well, converting only 2 of 8 break points, while hitting three aces and three double faults.

In the first set, Ana lost her serve for 3-2 but then quickly regained the break for 3-3. Ana then held at love in the next game, but she could not convert two break points in the next game. Afterwards Ana lost her serve and Cetkovska served out the set comfortably for 6-4.

In the second set, Ana took a 3-1 lead, but Cetkovska drew level at 3-3. After both players held serve to 4-4, Cetkovska broke Ana and served out the match after saving two break points for 6-4, 6-4.

Ana's next tournament is Dubai, which starts next week. She lost in the first round there last year to Patty Schnyder.

Ana vs Cetkovska Preview

2012-02-14T14:32:00.000-08:00

Ana takes on world No.30 Petra Cetkovska in the second round of the Qatar Total Open in Doha on Wednesday. It will be the third meeting between the pair, with the head-to-head series currently tied at 1-1.

On her way to the 2008 French Open title Ana blitzed the Czech 6-0, 6-0 in round four, recording only the second whitewash scoreline of her career.

However, it was a very different story when the two met on the lawns of the All England Club, Wimbledon last summer: Cetkovska triumphed 6-2, 7-6.

The Czech 26-year-old reached round two courtesy of a 7-6, 7-5 victory over world No.60 Petra Martic on Tuesday. Ana had the day off, having already beaten an ailing Carla Suarez Navarro on Monday.

"I'm definitely hoping to gain some revenge," said Ana. "I feel like I made a good start to the tournament on Monday, I was hitting the ball well and moving well.

"It's going to be important that I continue on this way against Cetkovska tomorrow, because she's quick and brings a lot of balls back."

The match is scheduled as the of the third of the day on Court 1 and is expected to take place sometime after 6.30pm local time (4.30pm Central European Time; 10.30am Eastern Time).

Happy Valentine's day from Ana Ivanovic

2012-02-14T06:55:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's day from Ana Ivanovic and other players . Sending all of our fans lots of love on this special day!! ♥ ♥ ♥

Video :

Ana on First Round in Doha

2012-02-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Ana advanced to the Second Round in Doha

2012-02-13T10:37:00.000-08:00

Today in the second match on Center Court Ana defeated Carla Suarez Navarro by retirement 6-1, 4-1 in 55 minutes. Ana delivered a good performance with 26 winners, 3 aces, and 4 double faults, striking 51% of her first serves.

In the first set Ana started well by taking a 2-0 lead, but Suarez broke her serve in the next game. Then Ana broke Suarez again and held her serve to lead 4-1. Afterwards Suarez lost her serve again, and Ana served out the first set at 6-1 with good play.

In the second set, Ana and Suarez both held their serves for 1-1. Suarez then lost her serve, and Ana held her serve comfortably to lead 3-1. Afterwards Ana broke the serve of Suarez again, at which point Suarez retired with a stomach problemsand

“It is very unfortunate for her,” Ivanovic said. “It is never enjoyable to win a match like that, but I hope she recovers fast. I am happy with the way I played in the match.”

In the second Round Ana will face the winner of the match between Petra Martic and Petra Cetkovska. Cetkovska defeated her in two sets at Wimbledon last year. Ana will play this match on Wednesday.

Ana and Sorana at Doha players party

2012-02-13T08:45:00.000-08:00

Ana said on Facebook "Sorana and I had fun at the player party last night!"

Facebook

Qatar Total Open Monday Schedule

2012-02-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

Ana will play her first match of the 2012 Quatar Total Open on monday against Carla Suarez Navarro on Center Court

The match will begin at 17:30 at local time

Order of play Monday here

Qatar Total Open draw

2012-02-11T21:01:00.000-08:00

Ana has been drawn to face world No. 55 Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain in the first round of the Qatar Total Open, which begins in Doha on Monday.

Ana is seeded 13th in a field of 56 players. Consequently she could play up to six matches at the Khalifa Stadium.

If she reaches round two, Ana will play either Petra Cetkovska or Petra Martic, while third seed Samantha Stosur could await in round three.

In the quarter-finals Ana could play sixth seed Vera Zvonareva, while the most likely opponents in the last four are No.2 Caroline Wozniacki and No.5 Marion Bartoli.

The leading seeds in the top half of the draw, whom Ana cannot face until the final, are No.1 Victoria Azarenka, No.4 Agnieszka Radwanska, No.7 Francesca Shiavone and No.8 Jelena Jankovic.

Main Draw here

Ana on Grand slam Tennis 2 Demo

2012-02-09T11:31:00.000-08:00

Times of India interview "I want to be in top-10 again "

2012-02-07T14:46:00.000-08:00

Ana recently gave an interview to The Times of India, one of the largest-selling English newspapers in the world.

The following is an extract from the question-and-answer session with journalist Ashish Sen:

How do you rate your performance in Oz Open?

I think it was a positive event for me, reaching the second week and playing some good tennis. I served very well in the opening rounds and that's really encouraging for me, considering that I have had some problems with my serve in the past.

What improvements would you like to make in 2012?

My biggest goal is to reach the top 10 again and compete during the later rounds of Grand Slams. I believe I have the ability and with hard work I can achieve this goal.

Do you believe your success is not only dependent on the powerful backhand, but a combination of technical acumen, consistency, an array of athleticism, effective defence and movement?

That's a nice way of describing it! For sure there are many things that make-up a professional player and talent is only one of them: you have to have the belief, motivation and desire to work hard. Concerning the technical aspects, movement is very important, so it's crucial that you are physically fit. This is something I have worked a lot on during the off-season.

Your best match till date?

It's hard to choose one. In terms of the most important match, it would have to be the French Open final in 2008, when I won it and became No. 1. In terms of performance, match Martina Hingis in the Montreal final in 2006 was very pleasing. Another match that stands out for me is the semifinal against Daniela Hantuchova at the Oz Open in 2008. I was down 6-0, 2-0 and came back to win.

Your stand on the packed calendar

It's important to separate the WTA from the ATP regarding this issue. I'm not really affected by it anymore, because the WTA have done a great job of shortening the calendar. Now our season ends one month earlier than the men's. We also have a long break during the summer, after Wimbledon, so hopefully there are fewer injuries now.

How will you help Serbian sport, grappling with shortage of funds?

At the moment my focus is more on UNICEF - I am a UNICEF ambassador in Serbia. Unfortunately there are some issues in Serbian schools that I would say are a priority to deal with. So I try to take part in a UNICEF event when I'm back in Belgrade.

Do you feel organisers of Grand Slams should hand over a greater share of their profits to players?

Personally, I think we are well paid for something that we love to do, so I don't like to complain. At the same time, I believe that there should be a link between profits and prize money.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Ana from her Facebook

2012-02-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

I'm soon leaving for Doha. Unfortunately the Middle East has not been a great place for me in terms of results, even though I always enjoy visiting. I'm determined to put that right this year!

Facebook

Indonesia Tatler 2011 Photos

2012-02-05T15:22:00.000-08:00

Source : Official website

2012 Season and Preview of Ana's next tournaments

2012-02-01T17:09:00.000-08:00

Ana began the season in Brisbane, where she reached the second round, losing to Kim Clijsters 1-6 6-1 3-6. Afterwards, she went to Sydney where she lost in the first round, losing to Lucie Safarova 7-6 6-2.

Ana returned to Melbourne as the 21st seed, defeating Dominguez Lino in the first round 6-0 6-3. Afterwards, in the second round, she defeated Michaella Krajicek 6-2 6-3, and in the third round she also defeated Vania King 6-3 6-4. Unfortunately, Ana lost in the fourth round to Petra Kvitova 6-2 7-6.

Ana's next tournament is Doha, which begins on February 13 and which she did not play last year because of an abdominal injury. Then, she will move on to Dubai, where she lost in the first round last year to Patty Schnyder 6-4 6-7 2-6.

Afterwards comes Indian Wells, which starts on March 7. Ana reached the quarterfinals there last year, defeating Date-Krumm 6-4 6-2, Zahlavova Strycova 6-2 6-2, and Jankovic (then a top-10 player) 6-4 6-2. Afterwards, she lost to Bartoli 6-4 7-6.

Her next tournament after Indian Wells is Miami, which starts on March 20. Ana reached the fourth round there last year, defeating Date-Krumm again 6-2 6-0, also defeating Razzano in three sets via retirement, and eventually losing in three sets to Kim Clijsters.

Points to Defends

Doha 13/02 19/02 : 0 points

Dubai : 20/02 27/02 : 1 point

Indian wells : 07/03 18/03 : 250 points

Miami : 20/03 01/04 : 140 points

Last Updates

*Singles Record : 5 - 4
*Doubles Record :
*Fed Cup :
*Titles :
*Current Ranking : Nº 18 with 2535
*Ranking Champions race : Nº 21 with 341
*Singles Tournament : Brisbane 2nd , Sydney 1st and Australian Open 4th , Doha 2nd
*Doubles Tournament :
*Money won the 2011 : $796.925
*Ace: 31
*Double Faults : 32
*Finals :

60 seconds with Ana Ivanovic

2012-02-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Ana recently gave a "60-second" interview to The Tennis Space, the new website created by former Daily Telegraph (London) tennis correspondent Mark Hodgkinson.

It is reproduced here:

Actress I would like to play me in a film about my life:

Angelina Jolie.

If I wasn’t a tennis player, I would be:Maybe a psychologist.Most famous person in my phone-book:

Boris Tadic (President of Serbia).

What scares me:Big dogs.What excites me:

Playing a match on a show court during the second week of a grand slam.

What makes me giggle:

My team. We are always joking around.

My most embarrassing experience as a tennis player:

Sitting down on the wrong chair during the Bali final last season. Fortunately my opponent didn’t mind so much.

I never travel to a tournament without:

My Kindle

Favourite city on the tour:

Paris.

Favourite restaurant on the tour:

Nobu. I enjoy going to all of them, but especially the one in New York.

Favourite shop on the tour:Matthew Williamson in New York.

My nickname is:Anci. It’s “short” for Ana in Serbia.
It’s kind of strange because it’s longer than Ana. I prefer Ana.

The last place I visited on holiday:

Australia.

The last book I read:

The Thread by Victoria Hislop.

The last film I watched:

The Descendants, with George Clooney.

The last album I listened to:

Coldplay’s new one.

The last meal I cooked:

Fajitas.

The last joke I laughed at:Some line in The Hangover.

I was watching it for the thousandth time.

I love that movie.The last time I was recognised by a member of the public:

At a coffee shop yesterday.

Grass, hard or clay?

Clay.

Hot or cold?

Hot.

Sand or snow?

Sand.

Be invisible or fly?

Be invisible.

If I was in a karaoke bar, the song I would choose:

Umbrella by Rihanna.

If I won the lottery, I would:

Make some UNICEF donations and treat my family.

Source : Official website

Ana back again on Top 20

2012-01-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

Following her run to the Fourth Round of Australian Open . Ana has climbed four spots to No.18 in the latest WTA rankings, which are published today.

1 Azarenka, Victoria
2 Kvitova, Petra
3 Sharapova, Maria
4 Wozniacki, Caroline
5 Stosur, Samantha
6 Radwanska, Agnieszka
7 Bartoli, Marion
8 Zvonareva, Vera
9 Li, Na
10 Petkovic, Andrea
11 Schiavone, Francesca
12 Williams, Serena
13 Jankovic, Jelena
14 Lisicki, Sabine
15 Pavlyuchenkova, Anastasia
16 Cibulkova, Dominika
17 Peng, Shuai
18 Ivanovic, Ana
19 Kuznetsova, Svetlana
20 Hantuchova, Daniela

Ana will not play the first round of Fed Cup

2012-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today, Ana's official site announced that she will not play the first round of Fed Cup on February 4-5. Here is what Ana wrote on her website:

"I've only just recovered from the virus I picked up during the Australian Open, and I'm going to be very careful with my schedule and traveling this year, considering the Olympics and the packed summer months."

Serbia will face Belgium in the first round of World Group action.

Ana from her facebook

2012-01-23T07:48:00.001-08:00

Mixed feelings about today. I didn't play well until it was too late. But all credit to Petra, she's obviously a great player and she will take some stopping. It wasn't a bad tournament for me overall. I feel like I took another step forward. Thanks for all your kind messages of support during my time in Australia.

Facebook

Interview : Australian Open Fourth Round

2012-01-22T19:50:00.000-08:00

Q. Thoughts on that?

ANA IVANOVIC: It was tough match, definitely. I really struggled with the rhythm in the beginning. She is tough opponent. You really have to get that hit on the ball, otherwise she likes to dominate and step up and take her chances.

I really felt I was lacking that in the first set and sort of in the second set. In the second set I started to serve a lot better, which helped me to come to 1All, 2All. Then I really fought back hard trying to come back and started to strike the ball a lot better.

You know, it was just really pity that I didn't use opportunities I had. But she served really well. You know, she's playing well. Being lefty it's also really hard to read her serve.

But I really tried hard and today. Just the rhythm was lacking a bit.

Q. How did you try and get back into that match? Mentally how did you find that rhythm?

ANA IVANOVIC: It's very hard, especially against Petra, because she goes for her shots and you don't get good rhythm. For example, having long rallies, it's not going to happen. You really have to try and get a swing on the ball and hope you will get into rhythm and that's going to cause some errors.

That's what happened to me today. She's not kind of player who is going to let you get back in the rhythm. You to try and focus on the things you work in practice and sort of try to copy that and do it over and over again.

Towards the end of second set I really felt like I was striking the ball nicely, and that felt really good. It's just pity that it was quite late in the second set.

Q. Do you think she was thrown off by missing the overhead towards the end of the second set?

ANA IVANOVIC: Maybe. Maybe a bit. But, you know, it was a big point, I guess. But it was a bit hard also with the sun right at the top.

But, you know, it was my serve and she still was serving quite well up to that point. I really had to step it up, and I really tried to swing at the ball and tried to be aggressive. It worked well, so I was happy I managed to break that game.

Q. Her power off the ground, does it compare to the biggest hitters in the game: Serena, Kim?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it definitely does. I think in the beginning of the match I actually felt like the ball was going to come a little faster. I got caught few times like not turned enough because the ball would skid through. She's a good player and No. 2 for a reason.

So, yeah, she definitely generates a lot of power.

Q. She's probably going to take over the No. 1 at some point in the near future. What advice would you give her having climbed that mountain yourself?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, she should just keep at what she's doing the best and keep  her game is very aggressive and has a good serve. Being a lefty, I think it's great advantage, because we don't face so many players playing lefthand, and obviously ball spins differently.

She should just keep doing what she's doing. She's great young player.

Q. I know you've worked on your serve recently and seems like you did serve really well in this tournament. Are you happy with that part of your game?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I served really well, that's why today was frustrating. I still felt like my rhythm was there and just wasn't executing well and misstiming the ball a little bit.

But there were a lot positive throughout this week. You know, it's something that motivates me to stay on top of it and work even harder at it. It's definitely improved since last year.

Q. You had a pretty solid result here this week. How are you feeling generally about your game and where it was compared to three, four years ago?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, like I said, there is a lot of improvements that I feel I gained over offseason. You know, it's been nice, nice tournament for me. I played some really good tennis and proved to myself that I can play that level and compete against the best.

That's definitely something that motivates me to now work harder. And, you know, there is still plenty of work to be done, but I'm enjoying competing on this level again. I just want to have to have a good year.

Q. (Question off mic.)

ANA IVANOVIC: We just, you know, just support each other and try to be there for each other as much as we can.

Q. You ever talk to Caroline about dating a golfer?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I don't think either of us plays really well. You mean playing golf or...

Q. No, dating a golfer.

ANA IVANOVIC: No, she did ask me like what kind of shoes should I take to walk on the course. Just the most comfortable ones.

Photos : AO 4th Round

2012-01-22T19:20:00.001-08:00

Ana lost and was eliminated from the Australian Open.

2012-01-22T18:51:00.000-08:00

Today in Rod Laver Arena Ana lost to world #2 Petra Kvitova 6-2 7-6 in 1 hour and 25 minutes. Ana hit 14 winners to 27 unforced errors and 4 aces to 7 double faults. She converted one of her four break point chances.

In the first set, Ana began erratically and quickly fell behind by 3-1 and 4-2. In the seventh game, Kvitova broke Ana's serve and comfortably led 5-2, and then she served out the set 6-2.

In the second set, Ana had started well by holding serve at 15, but Kvitova saved two break points on her serve in the next game to hold. Then Ana quickly lost her serve and fell behind 3-1 in the score. Much later, Ana was trailing 5-3, but she held serve before Kvitova had the chance to serve out the match. In that game, Ana responded and broke back at love to stay alive in the encounter. In the following game, Ana held at love and led 6-5, but afterwards Kvitova held serve easily to force a tiebreak. Ana played very poorly in the tiebreak with three unforced errors and two double faults, while Kvitova took advantage. Ana lost the tiebreak 7-2, so Kvitova won the set and the match 6-2 7-6.

The next tournament for Ana is Doha, which starts on February 13 and ends on February 19. Last year, Ana could not play there because of an abdominal muscle injury.

Ana from her facebook

2012-01-21T23:13:00.000-08:00

A bit of a strange match today but I came through it. I was just relieved in the end really. Kvitova in the next round - it doesn't come much tougher but I love a challenge.

Facebook

Ana Training for the 4th Round

2012-01-21T21:15:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow : Ana Ivanovic plays on Rod Laver Arena Start at 11:00 PM against Petra Kvitova

Ana signs autographs at Australian Open

2012-01-21T21:11:00.000-08:00

Ana Ivanovic vs Vania King R3 Full match

2012-01-21T12:37:00.001-08:00

"Ana needs treatment during match for virus"

2012-01-20T23:01:00.000-08:00

During the match today, Ana asked for treatment, but it was nothing serious."

Ana has had a virus for about two days, which caused her medical treatment during the match against King.

Source : Twitter @sharapovanovic

Ana in the Studio of ESPN

2012-01-20T22:30:00.001-08:00

Adam Scott again was at Ana's match.

2012-01-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

Interview : Australian Open Third Round

2012-01-20T21:19:00.000-08:00

Q. Were you happy with the way you closed it out?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. Really happy to close out that second set because it was really up and down. It was tough set. She was playing really well.

But I'm really happy I managed to survive that last game.

Q. Tell us about calling the doctor, what you were feeling at that time.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I caught a bug a couple days ago, after my secondround match. I wasn't feeling really good yesterday. So I had to take it really easy.

Today I felt fine. Just started to get a little nauseous again in that second set. Then I just took some tablets and it really helped to calm things down a bit.

Q. Been a while since you made it to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam. How much does winning that next match mean to you?

ANA IVANOVIC: Oh, it would be great. That's definitely my goal, you know. I always want to take it one match at a time. You know, next match will get me there.

It's going to be very tough one. Petra is definitely playing some great tennis. She's one of the hottest players at the moment. It's going to be great challenge for me.

But I'm really happy to go out there and throw my best at her. The better player will win.

Q. How much do you credit your form here to spending so much time in Australia beforehand?

ANA IVANOVIC: Oh, I think it's great because I had time to adjust to circumstances. I love it. I've done it every year, you know, for maybe eight or ten years now. It's always very enjoyable. It's great to be back in the second week and competing against top players.

Q. Is there something about your preparation this time that's made you go well?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it's been a little bit of a change. Normally I had a very big team of people around me. This time it was just Nigel, and I had physio working, making sure the body's in line because I had lots of little injuries and pains and niggles the last couple years,

I really wanted to get rid of them this year. So it was physical, but I did a lot of my fitness work on the court with Nigel. That's really paying off. I'm feeling very good physically.

Q. Do you think Adam will stay around for as long as you go?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, that's the deal. I really hope I can go far and spend another week here. That would be fun to compete next Saturday.

Q. You've been in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Do you think the male players should do stuff like that, like Novak Djokovic or someone?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I don't know. I mean, yeah, they should try, see how they go.

Q. Anyone in particular you think should give modeling a go?

ANA IVANOVIC: I don't know. You tell me which one would you like to see (laughter).

Q. You didn't get to play in the Beijing Olympics because of an injury. How much are the London games this summer a goal for you?

ANA IVANOVIC: It's definitely one of the priorities for this year. I'm so thrilled to have opportunity to compete again in Olympic Games. I think it's a great way to represent your country. It's very, very exciting.

I think I'm also going to play mixed doubles with Zimonjic, which is fun. I think it's a great opportunity. I really want to try and stay healthy this year and compete there.

Q. Can you tell us how valuable Nigel's experience in the women's game is to you?

ANA IVANOVIC: It's been really good. I've been very fortunate that we had the opportunity to work with each other. I was really excited after Wimbledon when we sort of started working together.

I felt like through the summer in America I was improving each week. I had a great week in Bali last year. But, you know, we actually did not have time for preparation in time to work on the game. This offseason was the first time we could actually take some time and work on things specifically. I really feel it's paying off.

We are still getting to know each other, the rhythm and what works, what not. It definitely helped me a lot. We both believe in the same things. Preseason, we sat down and set goals for ourselves. I feel like I can absorb a lot of his teachings.

Q. Why did you choose him and how long before you actually hooked up together did you identify him as a coach you wanted to work with?

ANA IVANOVIC: Obviously, I know him for a long time, ever since I started on tour. I've seen him around with Daniela. Afterwards I know he worked for LTA. He was always one of the people I wanted to be coached by and talked to about that possibility. It really came about fast.

In Wimbledon we spoke a little bit. I was very fortunate that he could start straightaway. I think it was great opportunity for both of us.

Q. Did you have a specific goal here for the Australian Open when you sat down with him?

ANA IVANOVIC: We definitely set some goals. But it's just very exciting to be in a second week. That was a first step for us. That was a first goal we had. It's nice to be able to achieve that. Now it's going to be tough matches, match after match.

But I still believe I can do well. I'm just enjoying competing again. It's going to be tough, but I love challenges.

Q. Can you give us an idea of what areas of your game Nigel has helped you the most with?

ANA IVANOVIC: One of the big areas was the serve. That needed some improvement. Throughout the end of last year it was improving. But now in offseason we really had time to work on it. It has improved a lot.

Also my base game, just lifting the level of my base game is something that we worked a lot on. My forehand. Just lots of little bits and pieces that are sort of coming together now. I'm just very excited to see.

Q. You just spoke about defending the colors of your country. Will you be on the Fed Cup team in two weeks?

ANA IVANOVIC: I still didn't decide about it. But, like I said, I think this is a big year with Olympics. I want to really represent my country in the best possible way. I really want to be fit and well for that, just see how I go there.

But hopefully yes.

Q. It depends on what happens next week?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely.

Pics from Ana in Third Round

2012-01-20T20:57:00.001-08:00

Ana won her third-round match and advanced to the fourth round:

2012-01-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

In one hour and 17 minutes, Ana Ivanovic defeated the American Vania King in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. It was not her best performance, but she won nevertheless. She struck 22 winners and 29 unforced errors, converted 5 of the 9 break point chances that she had, and served at 61%, although she hit 1 ace and 5 double faults.

During the first set, Ana started very well with a 3-0 lead, but King responded and broke Ana's serve at 3-1 before holding her own serve to draw level at 3-3. In the following game, Ana saved a break point and then held serve. Then, she broke King's serve again and comfortably served out the set to win it 6-3.

In the second set, Ana began by quickly falling behind 2-0, but then she broke King's serve and saved three break points in the following game before holding serve for 2-2. Then, Ana broke King's serve again and led 3-2 with a break. During the changeover, Ana asked for a trainer, who gave her pills but didn't give her a massage. Afterwards, Ana lost her serve for 3-3. Once again, Ana broke King's serve and quickly took a 5-3 leave. King then held the following game, but Ana served out the match to win 6-3, 6-4.

For her next match, Ana will play world #2 Petra Kvitova, who advanced when Kirilenko retired. Ana leads the head-to-head 3-0. She will play this match on Monday.

Ivanovic finds calm and clarity on court

2012-01-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Boasting Adam Scott in her corner and a less complicated game plan, Serbian starlet Ana Ivanovic believes she's on her way ''back to the top''.The former world No1 is into the third round of the Australian Open for the loss of just eight games after powering past Michaella Krajicek 6-2, 6-3 yesterday.

''I feel like I'm getting into the tournament. It's nice to get some wins and be in contention to play against top players,'' Ivanovic said after burying Krajicek in barely an hour.

'I enjoy playing here. The last couple matches have been really lots of fun. It's been good to also apply things I worked on in off-season.

''I really tried to pick the right ball to come in and be aggressive. That's something I worked a lot on.''

The 24-year-old said new coach Nigel Sears, who linked with the 2008 Australian Open runner-up and French Open champion after Wimbledon last July, had given her newfound clarity and calmness on court.

''When I'm out there, I really know what I have to do and I stay with it,'' Ivanovic said.

''I'm more persistent and confident in that because I know that's what's going to give me results and help me to play better.

''It might not work on a given day and I try to adjust. In the long run ... that's what's going to get me back to the top.''The 21st seed said her new coaching set-up had made a world of difference.

''I feel really comfortable in the environment I have,'' she said.

''I think that's been the biggest change ... It was kind of radical because you always have so many people on your team, but I really feel it's helped my game a lot and my mental side as well.

''Ivanovic also credited Scott, with the sport's glamour couple reuniting last year after a two-year split.

''He's been at both of my matches. He's going to stay. It's great to have that support,'' the Serb said.

Ana vs King Preview

2012-01-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Ana takes on American Vania King in the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday. Ana is yet to drop a set en route to round three and, uniquely among the top players, has not even faced a break point.

The 21st seed has a 3-0 head-to-head record against King, with all the previous contests taking place on hard courts. In fact, their first meeting came at the 2007 Australian Open, when Ana eased to a 6-2, 6-0 victory. Their last meeting took place in Los Angeles in August 2009, with Ana triumphing in three sets.

King, who is ranked 66th, reached round three with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 upset victory over Russian 15th seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The 22-year-old has never reached the fourth round of a Grand Slam event, losing all three of her previous third round encounters in straight sets.

She has, however, beaten the likes of top-ranked players Samantha Stosur, Dominika Cibulova and Marion Bartoli, and the win over Pavlyuchenkova ranks among the finest of her career.

Ana is looking forward to the challenge, and hopefully building on her first two matches. She said: "I enjoy playing here. The last couple of matches have been really lots of fun. It's been good to also apply things I worked on in off season.

"There are no easy matches. Next round again is going to be a tough one. But I feel like I'm getting into the tournament. It's nice to get some wins and be in contention to play against top players."

Ana is happy with the progress she is making under coach Nigel Sears, as exemplified in her 6-2, 6-3 win over Michaella Krajicek in round two. "I worked a lot on my game in the off season," she explained.

"When I'm out there I really know what I have to do and I stay with it. I'm more persistent and confident in that because I know that's what's going to give me results and help me to play better.

"It might not work on a given day and I try to adjust. In the long run, in the big picture, that's what's going to get me back to the top."

Ana talks about the match

2012-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

“I feel really comfortable in the environment I have now. I think that's been the biggest change. It was tough one. It was kind of radical because you always have so many people on your team,” she said.

“But I really feel it's helped my game a lot, and my mental side as well. It's been great.”“I worked a lot on my game in the off‑season. When I'm out there I really know what I have to do and I stay with it. I'm more persistent and confident in that because I know that's what's going to give me results and help me to play better,” she revealed.

“It might not work on a given day and I try to adjust. In the long run, in the big picture, that's what's going to get me back to the top.”“Today at times I felt maybe I was a little too passive. I could have been more aggressive,” Ivanovic reflected.

“(But) I really tried to pick the right ball to come in and be aggressive. That's something I worked a lot also on my spin, on my forehand, so I don't play as flat as I used to. It's working really well. I can sort of push opponents around the court.”

"There are no easy matches. Next round again is going to be tough one. But I feel like I'm getting into the tournament,” she said.

“It's nice to get some wins and be in contention to play against top players.”

Video Interview here

Ana Ivanovic vs Krajicek R2 Full Match

2012-01-18T22:22:00.001-08:00

Adam scott supporting Ana in second Round

2012-01-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

Pics From Ana in Second Round

2012-01-18T20:33:00.001-08:00

Ana defeated Krajicek and advanced to the third round:

2012-01-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

After three years, Ana Ivanovic finally returned to the third round of the Australian Open, defeating Michaella Krajicek 6-2, 6-3 in one hour and three minutes. Ana played very well, converting 4 of her 6 break point opportunities, striking 17 winners and 11 unforced errors, and hitting 1 ace and 3 double faults.

In the first set, Ana broke serve twice to win, once at 1-1 and the other time at 4-2. Ana served without trouble as she took the first set, losing only one point on her serve.

In the second set, the match grew more complicated, but Ana broke Krajicek in the third game and then held her serve without much difficulty. With the score at 5-3 in her favor, she broke Krajicek's serve again to win the match.

In the third round, Ana will wait to see whether she will play the 15th seed, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, or Vania King. Ana leads her head-to-head record 3-0 against each of them. She will play her next match on Saturday.

Ana from her Facebook

2012-01-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

I feel very happy about my first match here. There are always more nerves before a slam, but I was somehow able to relax and play some good tennis. It was great to see so many people supporting me too :)

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Ana will play her second Round on Hisense Arena

2012-01-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

Ana will play her second match against Michaella Krajicek, first in the order of play on Hisense Arena, which starts at 11 AM.

Schedule of Play Hisense Arena

1st match : Michaella Krajicek vs (21) Ana Ivanovic
2nd match : Ricardo Melo vs Jo - Wilfriend Tsonga
3rd Match : Carla Suarez Navarro vs Petra Kvitova
4th match : Andy Murray vs Eduard Roger Vassellin

Order of play Thursday here

Live Stream here

Difunde y protege al Internet : Por favor Lean

2012-01-17T20:08:00.000-08:00

Si esta ley se pone en marcha podría afectar en el contenido de la pagina y afectar con mi trabajo, no tirare 1 año de trabajo a la basura

Voten EN CONTRA DE LA LEY S.O.P.A. pongan en google esto "antisopa ¡Salvemos el Internet!"

Si piensas que esta ley solo aplica en los estados unidos, pues si y no, ya que gran parte de los sitios web en Internet están alojados en Estados Unidos y cuentan con dominios allí, lo cual los hace sujetos de esta ley.

Ana on Eurosport Studio Video

2012-01-17T18:02:00.001-08:00

Adam at Ana's Match

2012-01-17T14:04:00.000-08:00

Adam Scott was watching Ivanovic's first-round match.

Interview : 1st Australian Open 2012

2012-01-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Q. Nice way to start the tournament.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, can't complain. I mean, first set hardly anything went wrong. I felt I really played well. Yeah, I did lot of good things. Was patient.

Got a little bit tough in the second set. But I stepped up when I needed to, came to the net a lot, was really pleased to manage the break on 43 and then hold my serve.

Q. You've had a lot of tough first rounds in the slams. How do you avoid going out there and getting nervous and losing control of your game?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, actually this morning I was watching the TV. I was watching the tennis. They were saying Lleyton was going to play tonight and he was playing his 16th Australian Open, most ever. I start counting mine. I realize this was my eighth.

Then I thought to myself, Why would I be nervous, I played so many times. Then again, nerves kick in and it's just normal. Especially the first rounds, you want to do so well. Especially that I had really good offseason.

But, yeah, I'm just very pleased to be through. Like you said, you can't really think, Oh, this is easy, this is tough match. You just have to approach every match like it's going to be the toughest one.

Q. I read a lot about what you said about the offseason. Took a tough loss to Kim, maybe didn't play the week later. Coming into the tournament, do you really feel like your game is close to where you want it to be?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely, much closer than it's been in a long time. We worked really hard in the offseason, put a lot of good work on every aspect of my game. And I felt in Brisbane I was playing really well.

I was, you know, one point sort of there in the third set against Kim to turn match around, who knows what happens. But then you get little bit down on yourself. I really try to lift myself up these weeks because I really feel, you know, it's there and I just need to put it together in the matches in the big events.

Q. Have you set yourself any targets for this year?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. I mean, before I started my preseason, I sat down with Nigel and we had a really good talk about our goals, targets, what we want to achieve. I think it's important to have that plan, you know, how you're going to get there.

I mean, definitely I want to get back to top 10 and competing in The Championships at the end of the year. It's a long road, a lot of tennis to be played. I just want to also enjoy the process a little because it still is.

Q. Building blocks, consistency is important. The last couple years you've had some good times and then go down.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. I mean, even in the past few years I always felt, you know, I could play great match, upset a top player.

But I want to get it happening consistently. Not only through the week, but week after week. You know, that's what I worked a lot on the offseason, the base game, get it to certain level, now working on, you know, raising it.

But also, you know, my game, I'm developing also as a player. You know, there is going to be changes and adjustments. I think I'm a lot more patient now than I was when I first started on tour. I was taking way more risk.

But, you know, it's evolving and it's exciting.

Q. So being much more patient, you're saying that you don't need to hit the winner in two shots, you can go five or six shots every point?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the excitement takes over and I pull the trigger too early. I definitely want to pick the right ball. I feel I can stay in the rallies longer.

I want to wait and reduce the risk and still be aggressive when I need to be and on the big points still play my game, but just not go too much too early in a rally.

Q. You've been here two months now?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, probably more. They kind of offer me citizenship (laughter).

Q. How is it not to be home at all during the holidays? That must have been strange.

ANA IVANOVIC: It is strange. Then again, it's just so normal. I'm so used to living out of the bag, I don't know what to call home anymore. I miss really being with my relatives and home.

But, you know, it's what I do. I love being here. It's I think the best preparation I could have. Last year I was in Europe. I did my preseason there. I didn't really enjoy that much. So, you know, I was very certain I wanted to come back and do my offseason again here.

Q. Fitnesswise, was the emphasis strength or speed or endurance?

ANA IVANOVIC: Actually, to be honest, this offseason it was kind of a bit maybe radical for me. But the emphasis was really getting body in a shape that I wanted to be.

And it's still work in progress. But I really wanted to take load off it, and because there was lot of things that were not functioning properly, and I really wanted to get more flexible and stronger in that sense, so the body functions in a proper way.

So I really stepped out of the gym and did kind of a lot of rehab work. All my fitness I based on playing tennis and doing lots of drills and footwork on the court.

Q. Could you be happy if you didn't get back to the top? Do you need to get back to close to No. 1 to be a happy person?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I'm happy person. I mean, it's hard not to be. But I definitely could be much happier if I got back to top 10. I mean, and this is what drives me. This is why I'm still out there competing, because I really believe I can get back there.

That's the only reason I'm actually still competing, because I still have that hunger and that wish, you know, to win, and to win slams.

Q. You served really well today. Is that something you've been working on? You didn't face a breakpoint the entire match.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, definitely. I worked really hard on it. There were lot of, you know, annoying practices of just serving, serving, serving. But that's what gets you better.

You know, Nigel was really on top of me about that. It needed improvement. It gives you lot more confidence when you can get free points and aces off your serve.

You know, it still can get better and I'm still working on it. But it's huge improvement even since the end of the season where all I did was getting better, so I'm very happy about that.

Pics of Ana on First Round

2012-01-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

Ana won the first Round in Australian Open

2012-01-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

In the first round, Ana Ivanovic defeated Lourdes Dominguez Lino in straight sets 6-0, 6-3. The match lasted only 1 hour and 5 minutes. Ana played very well, converting 71% of her first serves with 4 aces and 0 double faults, 32 winners and 22 unforced errors.

In the first set, Ana played virtually flawless tennis, taking advantage of all her opportunities. Ana converted 3 of her 4 break point opportunities while not facing any break points on her own serve. She won the first set in only 20 minutes with 15 winners and 7 unforced errors.

In the second set, Ana and Lourdes held serve until 4-3. Then Ana broke the serve of Lourdes in that game and comfortably served out the match at 40-15. Ana converted 1 of her 6 break point opportunities in that set.

In the second round, Ana will face Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands, who defeated Kristina Barrois in two sets . They will play on Thursday.

Latest video of Ana in Melbourne

2012-01-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

Ana at the yonex players party

2012-01-16T17:05:00.000-08:00

Ana banned from sexiest player shortlist

2012-01-16T07:39:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, Ana was banned from the tennisreporters.net Sexiest Female Player reader poll. Just as it was last year, Ana's name was left off the ballot list, as owner/editor of the website Matt Cronin deemed the 24-year-old unbeatable in the category.

Ana was voted sexiest female player for five straight years, from when the award was created in 2005, to 2009. Last year the award was in fact renamed the "Ana Ivanovic Sexiest Female Player" award, and that is how it is referred to this year.

In Ana's absence, world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki topped the reader poll, while Rafael Nadal was named Sexiest Male Player.

Source : Official Website

Ana will play her first match on Court 2.

2012-01-15T23:07:00.000-08:00

Ana will face a spanish's Lourdes Dominguez Lino in the Fourth Match and the last match of the Show Court 2

Show Court 2 schedule of play

First Match : Andreas Seppi vs Richard Gasquet
Second Match : Vera Zvonareva vs Alexsandra Dulgheru
Third Match : Joao Souza vs Matthew Ebden
Fourth Match : Ana Ivanovic vs Lourdes Dominguez Lino

Order of Play here

Live Stream Here

More pics of Ana's Practice

2012-01-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

Ana from her facebook

2012-01-15T10:47:00.000-08:00

It's so strange to think how much tennis has changed over the years. On Friday I was lucky to try "sticke tennis" when adidas set up a court in the middle of Melbourne. Hitting the ball off the wall was good fun, but I must say I am happy with the rules of modern-day tennis!

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