Shock exit for Ivanovic

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:31

Given that eighth seed Ivanovic had not lost a set in her run to the last 32, Azarenko’s 6-2 6-3 win came as a surprise.

The ninth seed will take on top seed and title favourite Dinara Safina next.

Safina has dropped just five games in her march to the quarter-finals.

The world number one continued her imperious form on clay with a comprehensive 6-1 6-0 win over French hope Aravane Rezai.

It took the Russian, who has yet to win a grand slam, just 53 minutes to sweep to victory on Philippe Chatrier court.

“I’m feeling very good right now,” Safina said. “I’m trying to be very professional and not waste energy. I think this is something new to me – before I would maybe just go out there and play and waste my energy.

“No free points, no stupid mistakes. I’m just playing point by point.”

Dominika Cibulkova had earlier become the first player into the last eight.

The Slovakian, seeded 20, was a convincing 6-2 6-4 winner over 29th seed Agnes Szavay, who dumped out third seed Venus Williams in the previous round.

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