Ana Ivanovic Aims To Continue Ascent

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Ana Ivanovic Aims To Continue Ascent

Shanghai Rolex Masters ATP
- Official Site
- Order of Play
- Singles Draw
- Doubles Draw
- Live Scores

HP Japan Women's Open WTA
- Official Site
- Order of Play
- Singles Draw
- Doubles Draw
- Qualifying Draw
- Live Scores

Generali Ladies Linz WTA
- Official Site
- Order of Play
- Singles Draw
- Doubles Draw
- Qualifying Draw
- Live Scores

By Lauren Lynch
© Tony Chang/Chang Photography

(October 12, 2010) Ana Ivanovic scored her first top 10 win in nearly five months when she defeated ninth-ranked Elena Dementieva, 7-6(2), 7-6(4), in Beijing last week then tested new World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki before bowing 7-6(1), 6-4, in the China Open quarterfinals. Aiming to continue her ascent in Linz this week, the 29th-ranked Ivanovic said today consistency is the key to realizing her ranking aspirations.

"There will be some up and downs until I get to that level where I feel comfortable playing against top players all the time, but I feel very confident about my game and my fitness," said Ivanovic, who will face lucky loser Sorana Cirstea in tomorrow's opening-round match of the Generali Ladies Linz. "I feel my game is getting close to where it used to be and I’m even more aggressive, and experience-wise I’m much more mature and a more complete player now. In Beijing I had a few really good matches against tough opponents and I got that mental strength back and was pulling through tough matches."

One of tennis' top glamour girls, Ivanovic has been featured in magazines ranging from Sports Illustrated to Vogue. She says she enjoys playing dress-up on occasion, but would never pursue modeling as a future career path.

"It’s very flattering. Every girl likes to hear compliments," Ivanovic said. "I do enjoy doing some photo shoots and so on because it can get your mind off sport. Honestly, I don’t do my hair and makeup that often and it’s nice to see a different side and to get glammed up sometimes. It is fun but it’s also very, very hard and I don’t think I could ever do it as a job."

Attention can create professional jealousy in the locker room, but the former French Open champion said she enjoys hanging out with friends on the WTA Tour.

"I’m sure there is a lot of jealousy but at the end of the day it’s their problem," Ivanovic said. "You go on with your thing. I think it’s in every sport or every life, the more people dislike you the better you are. That’s really unfortunate, but I do have lots of friends on tour and it’s nice to see them around and catch up. After all, we’re all girls and young and enjoy similar things, whether it’s shopping or having coffee and chilling out."