Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: Hacker claims porn site users compromised

Ivanovic proving talent can carry her to the top

Size is both a strength and weakness for the Serbian tennis sensation

Image: Ana IvanovicGetty Images
Currently the second-ranked player in tennis, Ana Ivanovic has the skills to supplant Justine Henin at the top.

Everyone loves a winner, which is what makes Ana Ivanovic one of the most heavily sought after tennis players (by the fans) on tour right now. After she lost in the 2007 French Open title round, there was good reason to speculate that she would never be a No. 1 world ranked singles player; her run at Roland Garros appeared to be a mere Cinderella story or a fluke result, but as time goes on it's clear that such is not the case with the young Serbian.

At age 20, Ivanovic is getting better each time she takes the court. This should send a chill down the spines of other WTA professionals, considering she is already No. 2 in the world and is trailing a player, Justine Henin, who is nearly six years older.

The more relevant result for Ana was not her run to the 2008 Australian Open title match, but rather her recent domination at the Pacific Life Open: a straight-set 6-4, 6-3 victory over Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova for the title. Indian Wells was missing stars such as Justine Henin and Serena Williams, but Ivanovic still showed a lot of guts, entering as the No. 1 seed and dispatching the competition to hoist her first WTA title of the 2008 season and fourth in 11 months. After the match, Ana realized that this Tier 1 victory was a major step towards becoming the player to beat.

"It was such a strong field, and I was still the No. 1 seed. Obviously more pressure comes into play. The first few matches I was more nervous, but then I just started to focus on each match and not even think about who I was playing against. I've been practicing really well and working so hard on my fitness."

Playing in Ivanovic's favor

Negatives surrounding Ana

Final Thought

Ana Ivanovic is the most improved women's player on tour. She appeared to be nervous during the 2007 French Open final (which is understandable), but that wasn't the case in the 2008 Aussie Open title round and not at all when she captured the Pacific Life trophy on an international stage. The girl is No. 2 in the world, and she's on the rise. If she can maintain an "even keel" and surround herself with a good entourage, she will one day win a number of major titles, on all surfaces, and will build a legendary tennis resume.


advertisement
Video
Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns a shot to
  The "Fifth Major" in Tennis
March 24: Even though Maria Sharapova won't be playing, Harry Cicma gives you plenty of reasons to watch the Sony Ericsson tourney.
Slideshow
  Scenes from Down Under
Check out the best images from the 2012 Australian Open.

NBCSports.com

Slideshows
2011 US Open - Day 8
Getty Images
  Celebrity tennis fans
Take a look at some well-known fans in the world of tennis.
Andre Agassi
Getty Images
  Grand Slam champs
Roger Federer and Andre Agassi are among the legendary players with singles titles at all four Slams.
French Open - Day Eleven
Getty Images
  Federer vs. Nadal
Relive the head-to-head battles between two of the top players in men's tennis.
17th Annual ESPY Awards - Backstage And Audience
Getty Images for ESPY
  Stylin' sisters
Check out the fashion choices Venus and Serena Williams have made on and off the court.
Slideshow
Image: Snee, 8, son of New York Giants player Chris Snee and head coach Coughlin's grandson plays in the confetti after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots in the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game in Indianapolis
  The Week in Sports Pictures
The Giants on top of the football world, getting ready for the London Olympics and more.

more photos