Ivanovic ends title-wait in Linz
Originally published on: 18/10/10 10:18
Ana Ivanovic hadn’t held a WTA Tour title for over two years before this weekend, but the Serb didn’t waste any time after reaching her first WTA Tour final since Indian Wells in March 2009.
Sweeping aside Patty Schnyder in just 47 minutes with a 6-1 6-2 triumph at the Generali Ladies Linz, Ivanovic claimed her ninth career title and her first since she won the Austrian tournament in 2008.
After plummeting down the rankings to the mid-sixties earlier this year, Ivanovic’s victory over the 31-year-old Swiss was slick, assured, and above all; quick.
“Patty’s always a tough opponent and I didn’t expect this kind of scoreline,” said the former world No.1. “I had confidence from my last few matches and that helped me stay aggressive. I took a lot of risks and stepped in a lot. I believed in my shots and made them count, and I’m very pleased with that.”
Such was Ivanovic’s dominance, Schnyder – who had beaten three seeds in a row to reach her third career final in Linz – was little more than a bystander at times and could only heap the praise on the Belgrade-born right-hander in the aftermath of defeat.
“She was playing well from the start, taking the ball so early – not even hitting winners all the time, but hitting it so early,” Schnyder said.
“She knew what she was doing on every shot and she can beat anybody if she plays like that.”
Though seeded-seventh, Ivanovic was a late entry to the tournament, only receiving a wildcard the day before the start of main-draw play after the injured Serena Williams had pulled out.
“It’s just amazing how some things turn out,” said the 22-year-old Serb, who had put together a good run of form in Beijing, where she defeated world No.9 Elena Dementieva at the China Open before making a good fist of her clash with eventual champion Caroline Wozniacki in the quarter-finals. She then hot-footed it over to Linz after receiving a late call.
“When I got the call I was really excited because I felt I was playing well, and I was excited to play more matches,” she added.
“This is my first title since I won here in 2008, so it’s very special. I feel very good here and am really happy to have come back this week.”
Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here
