By Chris Oddo | Friday, May 16, 2014
Ana Ivanovic can make her return to the top 10 if she wins the Rome title. Even if she doesn't the Serb has come a long way in 2014.
Photo Source: AP
Ana Ivanovic can make her long-awaited return to the WTA's top 10 if she wins the Internazionali BNL d'Italia title this weekend in Rome, but even if she doesn't the 26-year-old former No. 1 looks destined to get there at some point in the not-too-distant future.
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Ivanovic notched her 30th victory today against Carla Suarez Navarro of Spain to set up a semifinal clash with either Serena Williams or Shuai Zhang on Saturday.
Even more impressive and perhaps telling about the state of Ivanovic's game in 2014, is the fact that she notched her fourth top 10 win of the season against Maria Sharapova in the round of 16 at Rome on Thursday. In 2013 it took Ivanovic all season to amass two top 10 wins (both came against Angelique Kerber—a nice talent but not a Sharapova-esque scalp) and she went 2-12 overall against the tour's elite.
This year, Ivanovic has gone 4-3 against the top 10, including wins over world No. 1 Serena Williams and her streak-busting victory over the tour's second most lethal player on clay, Maria Sharapova (Ivanovic snapped a seven-match losing streak against Sharapova with the win).
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what is different in Ivanovic's game, but there does seem to be a more aggressive, more loose mentality, as was evidenced by her 48 winners in today's 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 victory over Suarez Navarro.
“Now she's looking very, very calm, and playing with so much belief,” mused Tracy Austin, while commentating for Tennis Channel. “Ivanovic has really improved her backhand – it's much more penetrating,” she added, trying to nail down the reason for the rise. "I think she's been so consistent in 2014, and I think the biggest change is her movement. Now she seems to be moving really spectacularly on the clay. It's a good sign for Ivanovic going into the French."
Maybe it's just a case of timing for Ivanovic. Her game has always been predicated on timing and momentum, perhaps we can say the same thing of her career? With momentum on her side, Ivanovic seems to be in the perfect mindset to let things snowball. She did that today, riding comfortably over the rough patches of her three-set victory over a very talented opponent, and eventually hitting cruise control to win the final three games of the match.
Barring upset, Ivanovic will likely face Serena Williams in Saturday's semifinal in Rome. Prior to the beginning of the season, most would have considered the matchup to be a guaranteed blowout, but a lot has happened since 2014 began. Four top 10 wins, two titles and 30 wins later, many give Ivanovic a decent shot to knock off Williams if they meet.
All this contagious enthusiasm about Ivanovic's game says a lot about where Ana is at right now. She has not been a member of the top 10 since 2009, but Ivanovic's current revival should take her there soon.