Ivanovic Comes Back in 3 (Again)

Medibank International
2008-01-09
By Ben Rassieur

Ana Ivanovic had another tough three-set match today, beating Katarina Srebotnik 6-3 3-6 6-2. The Serb took the first set fairly easily. She was serving well, with three aces, and returning well, on Srebotniks second serve. But she wasnt as effective on her Srebotniks first serve.

The beginning of the second set Ivanovic was playing even better than the first. She jumped out to a 3-1 lead. But just as Ivanovic was about to take another break she tightened up. She was up 0-40 on Srebotniks serve but couldnt close it out. She even managed to get an easy second serve to her forehand but she mis-hit it. She was unable to get past that point. I kept thinking about that point and what it would be if it was 4-1, she said after the match.

Unfortunately for Ivanovic she was able to put her game together in the third set. She also changed strategies a bit. [I took] more time and [didnt] go for too big shots. Her first serve also became more effective, which she used to set up the points in her favor. Ivanovic has been a big fan of on-court coaching this week. She used it after the second set and it work out nicely. But she may have taken it a bit too far as she was warned for illegal on-court coaching as her trainer was helping her during play.

Todays win helped build Ivanovics confidence going into the Australian Open. She spent her off-season training near Sydney. So shes used to the heat and the new courts. Ivanovic feels the new blue courts suit her game nicely. If you hit the ball with a lot of spin [the court] takes the spin really well, she said. She also made it a point that she didnt like the faster Hong Kong courts last week, Im really, really happy to be back here. So if the weather stays warm and the courts stay slow Ana should enjoy a great run at the Open.