Maybe she’s back. Ana Ivanovic played an almost flawless match to upset Elena Dementieva to earn a place in the quarterfinals of the China Open in Beijing, at the same time all but ending the Russian’s chances of competing at the Championships in Doha. Dementieva is adamant, at least for now, that she will not be playing in Moscow to better her chances.
“I haven’t played a match like that for a long time. I was really pleased with the effort today,” said Ivanovic, who admitted to a mark of nine out of 10 for skill while giving herself 10 out of 10 for effort. “I think my game needed a lot of improvement all over the place, and I really did address my fitness a lot in the last few months. That was noticeable I think today. At least I felt that way, and it gives me lot of confidence. Also, I’ve been hitting a lot more balls in practices and trying to do a lot of drills, which does give you confidence, you know, knowing that you can last through long rallies.”
It’s still a long way back, but the Serb believes she can still return to number one and win another major to add to her Roland Garros triumph in 2008.
“That’s my goal. Not only to become No. 1 again, but I think I can win Slams, and that’s what I’m aiming for. I’m really motivated to work hard again. And I’m still, you know, so young; I’m not even 23 yet. So I still have many years in front of me, and I know I can still achieve lots of good things. Also, I think once you win a Grand Slam and you’re in a position you’ve been to No. 1 position, it’s very hard to be satisfied with being ranked 30 or 40, because you know you can achieve so much more.”
Topics: Ana Ivanovic, Balls, Beijing, China, Confidence, Elena Dementieva, Fitness, Game, Grand Slam, Long Time, Lot, Match, Moscow, Quarterfinals, Rallies, Roland Garros, Serb, Triumph