Article Written By: Nicholas Djordjevic
Ana Ivanovic is in excellent pre-Grand Slam form and has has proven to the doubters that she is in a great position to potentially take the title of the Grand Slam of the Asia/Pacific. An excellent run at the ASB Classic in Auckland resulted in defeating Venus Williams in the final and taking home her 12th career singles title after 2 hours and 19 minutes on court. Ivanovic, having beat Williams only once out of nine attempts prior to their meeting this year, will be looking to carry the momentum of this win to the Australian Open Grand Slam later this month. The 6-2 5-7 6-4 win also boosted the Serbians world ranking from 16 to 14.
Williams, now ranked 47, had been fighting a number of health issues in recent years.The 33-year-old endeavored in the opening set without much luck with her once record breaking serve. She was also heavily slowed down by a collection of unforced errors. Wlliams had her place in the final booked through the forced walkover against injured American compatriot Jamie Hampton.
Ivanovic did not relinquish her opportunity, having a little more athletic advantage over Wlliams this meeting, and had served out the match despite both players producing some big shots throughout the match.
Ivanovic will have to face the sheer might of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and the recent breakthrough success Li Na, in order to capture the Grand Slam title. A tough gig without question, but if there is one thing Ivanovic will always have on her side, it’s confidence in her abilities; and thanks to this win against the former world number one, she will be looking more than ready to tough it out.
