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French Open Stadium 2016
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Ana Ivanovic battles through to second French Open final


Ana Ivanovic is through to her second French Open final after beating fellow Serb and No.3 seed Jelena Jankovic 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the second semi-final. The 20-year-old will face Russian Dinara Safina in Saturday’s final.

While neither of this year’s semi finals will go down as a classic, the all-Serbian encounter proved to be the more anxious affair. Both Ana Ivanovic and Jankovic held the lead at some stage or other in each set before the other battled back, with Ivanovic emerging victorious in the final set, coming from 3-0 down to seal the match.

Jankovic was philosophical in defeat. Suffering from tendonitis in her arm during the tournament, the 23-year-old said, “I am very disappointed but I still cannot go and kill myself and put myself down.

“The year is still long. There are still two more grand slams, many big tournaments to play. I still have to work hard and believe in myself, and I will achieve my goal.”

20-year-old Ivanovic, who will be installed as the new world No.1 by virtue of reaching the final, struggled with her serve during the second set but moved up a gear after slipping behind in the third, and hit four winners in succession to break Jankovic in the final game.

“It was a very tough match – there were lots of ups and downs,” said a relieved Ivanovic. “I was just so happy to stay strong in the end and win the match.”

Despite two years her opponent’s junior, Ivanovic will go into Saturday’s final against 22-year-old Safina as the clear favourite, but the Russian entered the tournament as the Tour’s form player.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.