SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER!
Search:
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Latest News
Featured News
Book Reviews
Videos
ATP Singles
ATP Doubles
WTA Singles
WTA Doubles
News
Scores
Rankings
Lucky Letcord Podcast
Shop
Pro Gear
Pickleball
Gear Sale
Add to Flipboard Magazine.
Ivanovic in the Quarters
By Joe McDonald
(September 3, 2012) -- It makes sense that
Ana Ivanovic
is a morning person. The No. 12 seed likes playing early and getting on with the rest of her day.
Today, as the first match at the US Open, she easily put away
Tsvetana Pironkova
, 6-0 6-4. Just another day at the office for the bubbly morning girl.
“I'm definitely a morning person,” the former No. 1 in the world said. “The first week I was out here every morning practicing at 8:00, so I like to get up and get my day started. I do go to bed early at night, so the other night I was feeling a little bit sleepy.
“But, no, I enjoy the first matches. And also when you know exactly what time you go on it's a lot easier to prepare.”
Whatever it is, Ivanovic finds herself in the quarterfinals of a major for the first time since 2008. She came a long way from being the next big thing to an also-ran and now back to the top. For Ivanovic, it’s much like taking a ride of the Cyclone in Coney Island.
“Like a roller coaster,” she said. “There were some good moments and some tough ones, but it's a process. I understand it better now.
“There are times when you realize that it's exactly what it is: it's a process. You can't have everything at the same time. You have to, you know, be consistent on practice courts and then in the matches. I felt I had that this year. I have been quite consistent at times.
“I put myself lots of times in opportunities for the big matches and the big wins, and I never managed to do that. You know, now I have another chance, and I really hope I can pull it together this time.”
Still only 24, the Serbian beauty has some good tennis ahead of her. In 2008, she achieved the No. 1 ranking after winning the French Open, but a thumb injury forced her to pull out of the Beijing Olympics and then she lost to
Julie Coin
in the second round of the Open.
And from then on, it was all downhill for her in Flushing Meadows.
She lost the first round in 2009 and then two fourth round matches in 2010 and 2011. But finally she broke through this year with today’s win.
“I have been here in fourth round quite a few times, so to make that step and reach quarterfinal, and also the first time since '08 which I'm very thrilled about,” she said.
Ivanovic is also fighting a foot injury right now, which makes her run even more amazing.
“I was really unfortunate with my foot injury before the tournament, so if someone would have told me I would be in this position, you know, I'd be like, Okay, that's nice. Thank you,” she said. "I have been working really hard on recovery and on court, as well. It's kind of reward. You know, I want to enjoy that process. I still have lot of things to think about this year.”
But now the game becomes tough. In this quarterfinal coming up, she takes on No. 4 seed
Serena Williams
, which will be her toughest opponent so far.
“In the last year when I played her here, I thought I had some chances in the second set from the memory,” she said. But, it's always tough. She's obviously great player and she's been I think playing the best out of all the girls on tour at the moment. She's been, you know, having so many victories lately.
“Her serve is definitely her strength. You know, I really have to be sharp from the first moment on and stay aggressive and stay in the moment. You know, try to enjoy it as well and enjoy the challenge.
“It would be great opportunity for me.”
It’s easy to guess Ivanovic is hoping for a morning match.
(Photo Credit: AFP/Patrick Kovarik)
Related Articles
Davidovich Fokina and Korda Hit Century Mark in Mars...
24 Thoughts on the 2024 Australian Open
Sinner Sails, Sabalenka Storms! 2024 AO in Review
What We're Watching on Day 13 of the Australian Open
What We're Watching on Day 8 of the Australian Open
Tweets by Tennis_Now
Latest News
Zverev Secures Semifinal Return in Miami
Medvedev Sets Sinner SF Clash in Miami
Alexandrova Powers Past Pegula, into First Miami Sem...
Sinner Sails into Third Miami Semifinal
Danimal Day: Collins Roars Into Second Miami Semifin...
TENNISNOW.COM
News
Blogs
Vlogs
Forums
Arcade
Members
TENNIS NOW TV
Daily News Vlog
Gear Guide
Catching Up With...
Feeds
News Feed
Blog Feed
TV Feed
ON TOUR
Scores
Player Profiles
ATP Calendar
WTA Calendar
TV Listings
PARTNERS
Instructional
Find Tennis Lessons Near You
Tennis Lessons Online with Tom Avery
Fuzzy Yellow Balls - Video Tennis Lessons
Tennis Gear
Tennis Express - Racquets, Shoes, and Apparel
About Us
|
Contact Us
|
Links Directory
|
Privacy Policy