Former No. 1 and 2008 French Open Champion is Currently Ranked 18th in WTA RankingsCarlsbad, Calif. (June 8, 2011) – Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, a former number one player in the world and the 2008 French Open Champion, has committed to play in the 2011 Mercury Insurance Open Presented By Tri-City Medical Center, tournament officials announced today.
Ivanovic became one of the top players in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) when her year-end ranking jumped from 705 in 2003 to number 16 in 2005. In 2007 she reached her first career Grand Slam singles final at the French Open and finished the year ranked fourth in the world.
After reaching the Australian Open singles final in 2008, Ivanovic captured her first career Grand Slam singles title by winning the French Open when she defeated Russia’s Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-3 in the final. Ivanovic, who represents Serbia in Fed Cup competition, went on to become the number one player in the world in June of that year.
“I’m really looking forward to playing again in Carlsbad – it’s one of my favorite tournaments. The La Costa Resort and Spa is a favorite for many players actually,” Ivanovic said. “It’s a beautiful setting and a very well organized tournament, with a relaxed feel. We get some very good crowds and this is the kind of the tournament I especially enjoy playing.”
Ivanovic, who has won 10 career WTA singles titles, will make her third career appearance in Carlsbad. Her best result at the La Costa Resort and Spa came in 2006 when she reached the third round.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Ana Ivanovic enter the Mercury Insurance Open,” said Raquel Giscafre, tournament director. “She is a very popular player here in Carlsbad and fans have always enjoyed watching her play. Ana is a true professional on and off the court and her tremendous work ethic is something everyone can appreciate.”
Ivanovic joins Belgium’s Kim Clijsters, another former number one player in the world, as early entries in the 2011 Mercury Insurance Open. Clijsters is the two-time defending US Open champion and the current reigning Australian Open champion.
