China Open : Quarterfinals Interview

A. RADWANSKA/A. Ivanovic6-3, 3-2 (ret.)

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. (Through translation.) I would like to know about your injury, and will that affect your participation in the year-end Bali?
ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I've been struggling with my back since actually beginning of last week in Tokyo. Been doing lots of treatments on it, but it hasn't been really getting much better.
So I was fighting with it basically throughout the whole week. I went yesterday to do MRI here, so still the doctors are looking at the results. I'm talking to physios and just making sure about the next steps to see what's wrong and what's going on.
Yeah, it's too early to say anything.

Q. (Through translation.) When you're in China you have a lot of fans. Today on court, there were some fans coming from far, from the southern part of China. What would you like to say to them?
ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it's very nice to see them and to get such big support here every time. I felt huge support, even today. It's very disappointing loss for me. I really hope I can recover fast and come back strong next year and see them again and stay probably longer.

Q. Unfortunately you quit the match. Do you think you have already got enough confidence since the China Open? And second question is quite similar to other journalist. I just met a family from your country, and they have a message they want me to give to you. It's in Serbian so I can't translate. Can you please translate to all the press tell something to this family?
ANA IVANOVIC: You want me to translate this?

Q. Yes.
ANA IVANOVIC: Just a family that obviously lives here, and they are watching me all the tournament and they wish me all the best. They would like to meet me. (Smiling.)

Q. And do you have anything you want to say to the people that come from your country?
ANA IVANOVIC: No, it's great support here always. We have lots of Serbians, and they been coming all week. It's nice to see our flag in the stadium here and on center court. I could hear them yell out things, which is always nice. It's always inspiration.

Q. You retired from Beijing Olympics three years ago, same court. It's not your first time to quit a match in this city. Do you think the city has some magic on you?
ANA IVANOVIC: I would like to think not. (Smiling.) I love coming here and competing. I think it's a little bit different story, you know. It was very tough to pull out of Olympics, and it's very tough today.
But, you know, this is something that's been going on for the whole week. Actually, I kind of surprised myself that I got to this stage at all. But because I been playing some really good tennis, it is very disappointing way to finish.

Q. Apart from the injury, actually you played pretty well at the tournament, very good shape and form. According to right now, your status, when do you think you can go back to a Grand Slam final even grab a major title?
ANA IVANOVIC: It's been inspirational to see the things I've been working on coming together in matches. I did play some great tennis this week, probably the best I played in years. It's very inspiring.
I really want to focus now, you know, if I'm going to play the next few tournaments I have this year, and then try to have a really good off-season.
Next year I think it's going to be a big year for me, and I really feel it's my opportunity to try and aim for the top again and maybe win a Grand Slam.

Q. Can you talk about what you think about your overall performance this year.
ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I'm very happy with my performance. Like I said, I really felt I was playing some best tennis I been playing in years, and it's very exciting, you know.
I was striking the ball really well, and that's why it's very disappointing to finish this way, because I really felt I was on a roll and things were starting to fall into place.
But it's good incentive. It's important to see results in the matches, too.

Q. (Through translation.) We're very disappointed that you retired from the tournament. Will you go to the Bali year-end tournament? Also, during the match you have a shot that you made between the legs. In your daily practice do you have such an experience?
ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's the first time ever in my life I made that shot. But, yeah, I mean, it was very hard. Obviously I had troubles moving a lot, and especially jumping on my serve because I have no feeling in my leg. But, yeah, it's something that I'm discussing with the physios what's the best way to move forward.
Like I said, I'm still waiting on results from MRI to see how to approach it, but I really hope I can play in Linz and then also Bali -- in Luxembourg, sorry, and then Bali.

Ivanovic: "It is too early to say anything"

Ana Ivanovic wept in court after suffering an injury during his match against Lombre Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarterfinals of the China Open. "I've been struggling with this back pain since the beginning of last week in Tokyo. I made several treatments, but there was not much improvement, "said Ivanovic.

"I had an MRI yesterday and doctors are still looking. I'm talking with physical therapists and just make sure the next steps. It is too early to say anything. I really hope to play tournaments in Luxembourg and in Bali. "

Source: Tennisbr.com

Injured Ana falls to Radwanska defeat

Ana retired from the China Open with a back injury while trailing Poland's Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3, 3-2 in the quarter-finals.

The 23-year-old had struggled with the ailment throughout her time in Asia, and required treatment on it during the Tokyo tournament.

Ana had a wealth of chances in the opening set. She cracked a dozen forehand winners but could only convert one of eight break point chances. Radwanska, who was the champion in Tokyo last week, was more clinical and consistent. She returned very well and took the opening set 6-3.

The second set promised much, as Ana held and then broke to lead 2-0. However, she began moving gingerly, dropped three straight games and after receiving treatment to her lower back, determined that she was unable to continue.

"I've been struggling with my back since actually the beginning of last week in Tokyo. I've been doing lots of treatments on it, but it hasn't been really getting much better.

"So I was fighting with it basically throughout the whole week. I went yesterday to do MRI here, so still the doctors are looking at the results. I'm talking to physios and just making sure about the next steps to see what's wrong and what's going on.

"I really felt I was playing some of the best tennis I been playing in years, and it's very exciting. I was striking the ball really well, and that's why it's very disappointing to finish this way, because I really felt I was on a roll and things were starting to fall into place.

"But it's a good incentive. It's important to see results in the matches."

Ana's next scheduled tournament is the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open, which begins on 17 October.

Ana Ivanovic vs Zvonareva Highlights

Source : Top10TennisNetwork

Ana Ivanovic vs Radwanska

Ana takes on world No.12 Agnieszka Radwanska in the quarter-finals of the China Open in Beijing on Friday. The match will be the seventh meeting between the pair, with the head-to-head series locked at three wins each.

Despite such parity, the Pole has won the last three encounters, with the most recent meeting coming in Stuttgart, on clay, last year. Radwanska is arguably the form player on the Tour at present, having won the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last week.

"She's a great player and in really good form right now," said Ana. "We've had some very tough matches in the past, with a few of them going to three sets.

"Wednesday was obviously a big win for me, and now I need to follow that up with another big win. I'm looking forward to this match."

The match is scheduled as the second of the day on the National Tennis Stadium and will begin at 3pm local time (9am Central European Time; 3am Eastern Time).

Source : Official Website

Third Round Interview

An interview with:

　　ANA IVANOVIC

　　THE MODERATOR: Questions, please

　　Q. Very dominant performance. Was that because she didn't play good or you're just too good?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I was really happy with the way I played today. I thought she still played well, but I kept the ball deep and sort of didn't give her too many opportunities.

　　I was very pleased with this, because she's a great player. We had tough match few months ago, so I really tried to step up today, and I thought I did that really well. I thought I really took away chances from her.

　　Q. (Through translation.) What do you think is the key factor for today's win, and how would you comment on your backhand?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: I think being aggressive and playing really deep. I thought I also was returning really well today and was putting pressure on her from both sides, forehand and backhand.

　　I think that that was the key, because she retrieves the ball really good, she's a great player, and strikes the ball really well.

　　But I really stepped up a lot and stayed low, and I thought that was the big difference today.

　　Q. (In Serbian. )

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Shall I answer in English? (Laughter. )

　　Q. Can you translate the question first?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: It's a bit long. Basically it was about my work relationship with Nigel and Scott, if it's really helping me and if I believe in what we are doing. Obviously I am. It's been great, because I think it's important to trust in a team you work with.

　　Since we started after Wimbledon, I really felt we were doing the right things. Sometimes it takes time for things to fall into place, and through the summer in America I was playing well at times and I could see the progress.

　　Now it's coming together even more so. We do have great views of where my game should get at and we have the same goals. I really believe that they can help me achieve my goals.

　　It's great, and I'm really enjoying competing again. I mean, playing like this it's a lot of fun to be out there. (Smiling.)

　　Q. First congratulations for your victory. Two questions: First one, according to the main draw, you don't have a very good place in the main draw. It's quite tough. Currently, so far you have done very good. In the next match you are going to play against Radwanska, which is a great challenge. How will you prepare for the match? Second question is: Comparatively speaking, you are always doing better when the season comes to the end than in the very beginning. So how will you prepare when it comes to the end for the coming season?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, the draw was kind of tough. I booked my ticket for Monday. (Laughter.) No, I mean, I been playing really well. I was happy to go out there and compete and challenge myself against top players, because I really felt my game is at the level that I can play against these top players and actually win.

　　You know, I know rankings tell different story, but you know, I'm really confident in what I'm doing on the court. So it's great, you know, to have these opportunities. Next match that's it's another tough challenge. She just won in Tokyo and she's been playing really well lately, so no doubt it's going to be a tough one.

　　And the other question, I really felt like since I started with the new team I been improving a lot, and obviously we are all very excited about next year and what it can bring, because, yeah, first half of the year, it's going to be huge.

　　But it could be also the holidays are approaching, so I have something to look forward to. (Laughter.)

　　Q. Were you surprised by her performance? She seemed a bit lackluster, especially when she fell. What did you think then? Then you sort of say that you've been working on where your game should be. Do you have a plan then? Can you give us a flavor of where you think you might be six months from now, or do you have an actual goal?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: I mean, she started very well. She broke me the first game, and I really tried to step up a little more. She had 40‑15 in the second service game ‑‑ in her first service game and then again in the second service game, so I really felt like I did well and stayed in the game basically and created opportunities for myself.

　　It was, yeah, a little bit awkward when she slipped, but she played good since then. So I really felt like, yeah, I did well and kept her under pressure.

　　What was the second part?

　　Q. You said you had an idea of where you should be in your game.

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, well, there is no secret that my game needed some improvement, especially my serve. That's something I've been focusing a lot on, and also on my forehand and, yeah, overall getting more consistent.

　　That's something I still want to work on. You know, it still needs to fall into place. But I can see, you know, a benefit from it, and that's something that inspires and motivates me to keep up that work and get that base even higher.

　　Q. You quit the 2008 Olympics because illness. Do you have any plans for the London Olympics next year?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, you know, pulling out of Olympics here here back in '08, it was probably one of toughest moments of my career. So I'm really excited about opportunity to participate in London next year.

　　It's going to be nice to be part and actually get an opportunity to compete.

Ana from her Facebook

That felt really good! I’ve said for a while that I feel that I’m moving in the right direction and this was an important step.

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Ana Ivanovic vs Kuznetsova Highlights

Source : Top10TennisNetwork

Ivanovic: "I am really enjoying competing again". Press Conference Photos

Following her second round route of Vera Zvonareva， Ana Ivanovic spoke about her new found confidence in a press conference at the 2011 Beijing China Open.

“I can play against these top player and win,” she said.

During the press conference, Ivanovic spoke about her new team whom she started working with after Wimbledon.

“It'sbeen great, because I think it's important to trust in a team you work with.

“Now it's coming together even more so. We do have great views of where my game should get at and we have the same goals. I really believe that they can help me achieve my goals,” the World's No. 16 women's singles player said.

Despite her win, Ivanovic feels that thereis still some room for improvement for a more consistent performance.

“There is no secret that my game needed some improvement, especially my serve,” she said. “ That's something I still want to work on. You know, it still needs to fall into place.”

Third Round Photos

Third Round Photos, un álbum en Flickr.

Ana Ivanovic into to the quarterfinals

Ana produced a virtually flawless performance as she dismantled world No.3 Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the China Open in Beijing. The victory represents Ana's first win against a top 5-ranked player since June 2008.
Ana won the spin of the coin and elected to serve, but was broken in the opening game. She trailed 40-15 in the Russian’s opening service game, but with stunning forehands she re-broke Zvonareva instantly.

The world No.3 kept pace with Ana until 2-3, but from this point in the set, Ana overpowered the Russian. She won ten straight points, breaking the Zvonareva serve twice more to claim the set in hugely impressive fashion.

Both players held serve to love in their first service game of the second set. It would emerge to be the only hold of serve for the Russian, reflecting Ana’s masterful manner of returning today.

Ana cruised from then on in, dominating from all corners of the court and sending the Russian from pillar to post with perfectly measured groundstrokes. She appeared to be enjoying herself too, smiling frequently between points.

Ana earned three more break points in the sixth game: the Russian managed to get back to deuce, but a fourth break point was sufficient for Ana to move into a 5-1 lead.

The former world No. 1 finished the contest in style: as a mini re-telling of the the rest of the match, she hit another winner on the line.

The 23-year-old hit 29 winners throughout the match and improved her win-loss record at the National Tennis Center to 6-1. She triumphed in just 68 minutes.

"I was really happy with the way I played today," said Ana. "I thought she still played well, but I kept the ball deep and sort of didn't give her too many opportunities.

"I was very pleased with this, because she's a great player. We had a tough match few months ago, so I really tried to step up today, and I thought I did that really well. I thought I really took away chances from her."

Ana will face either 11th seed and last week's Tokyo winner Agnieszka Radwanska or Sweden's Sofia Arvidsson in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Second Round Interview

Q. First of all, congratulations. Tonight's opponent is very tough, but you performed very well. Can you summarize tonight's match a little bit? Thank you.
　　ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, it wasn't easy match. Kuznetsova is a great player and such a great champion. I didn't expect to play this well and have this scoreline, but I did execute balls and my shots very good, which I'm very happy about.

　　I was serving well and stayed calm and returning really well and putting her under pressure. I hit a lot of deep balls, which I was very pleased about.

　　Q. (Through translation。) I would like to ask what is your toughest moment in your professional career and how did you go through it?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: One of the toughest moments was definitely pulling out of Olympics here back in '08. It was very hard because I was very excited to be here and to play. I was injured and I was struggling for a while. It was just after I won French Open and became No. 1. I wasn't able to practice or play and perform, so that was very, very hard.

　　Q. (Through translation。) Just now on court, some Chinese fans have sung some songs to cheer for you. How would you comment on the support of Chinese fans?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: I always have great support here, and it's so nice to be back. Lots of people come to my practice and they a yell out things even in Serbian. It's amazing how much support I get here. I'm very pleased, and it helps me perform better.

　　Q. (Through translation。) How do you understand the WTA's slogan for this year's Strong is Beautiful campaign?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's great for women's tennis and just being a woman in general. So many times we see models in magazines, and that's a little bit different than most of the girls and women look like.

　　I think it's much healthier being strong, and I think in a way that's beautiful. I think that's a great way to promote women's tennis. We are athletes after all, but we are yet women.

　　Q. In the next round you will probably play Vera Zvonareva, the Russian top player. Have you ever met on the court before, and can you give us some thoughts on her?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, we did. We played against each other just a few weeks a few months ago in San Diego. It was tough match. It was 6 4 in third set. So if I do play her, it's going to be another very tough match.

　　It's such a tough draw. There are no easy matches. I just want to go out there and try to do the best I can and try to perform like I did tonight.

　　Q. Currently we're pretty much at the end of the season. How are you going to assess your whole performance for this year? We know you haven't won any titles this season. How are you going to evaluate this whole season?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Beginning of the season was tough for me. I had a few injuries I battled. Since Wimbledon, since I got a new team with me, new coach and fitness coach, things are much better. I really feel I'm on the right path.

　　I did have some great weeks and great tournaments. I can already see progress in my game since I started implementing these things.

　　You know, until the end of the year, I really want to focus on just enjoying my tennis and trying to apply things that I do on the practice court. Then I think next year it's going to be a big one.

　　Q. (Through translation。) I would like to ask you of all the players at WTA Tour, who do think is the most fashionable? In your own life, what do you think of fashion?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: I think it's very tough question. Well, I think we, as girls, we do like to follow fashion. Obviously if you ask any girl, she would tell you that her favorite thing to do is go shopping.

　　I think there are few girls out there that have always very different style. Some of them are really creative, like Mattek. She always comes with crazy outfits. There are other girls that are very nicely dressed, which is good to see.

　　Q. Currently your ranking is No. 18. How far do you think you are with the top player, No. 1 and No. 2? As a former No. 1, how long until you'll be back in top 10?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I wish I knew answer to that question, when it's going to happen. I mean, obviously I want it to happen as soon as possible. I really feel I'm playing sometimes really like a top player.

　　Then again, rankings don't lie. I had tough first half of the year. Like I said it's a progress and a process. I have to be patient. But things are falling into place, and I'm really happy the way everything is going.

　　I'm enjoying competing, and that's what makes a big difference, being happy out there and just enjoying competition.

　　Q. (Through translation。) On the WTA Tour, who is your best friend? In next year's London Olympics, do you have any plan of playing doubles?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Well, my best friend is Crîstea, Sorana, from Romania. We're really good friends. There are a few other really nice girls.

　　For next year's Olympics, I'm planning to play mixed doubles, so I'm not going to probably play doubles. It's going to be too much.

　　Q. Who is your partner?

　　ANA IVANOVIC: Probably Zimonjic。

Message from Ana on Facebook

I enjoy playing at night – even in the cold! It was very chilly today, but I played some very good tennis so I’m happy!

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Press Conference Photos

"Since putting my new team in place a few months ago, I feel that I've been moving in the right direction," said Ana.

"Today was proof of that. I was very happy with my game and I am really looking forward to the next challenge."


“It's such a tough draw. There are no easy matches. I just want to go out there and try to do the best I can and try to perform like I did tonight,” Ivanovic said.

Ana advanced to Third Round in Beijing

Ana produced one of her best performances of the season as she brushed aside the challenge of 16th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round of the China Open in Beijing.

Heading into the contest, Ana held a 5-3 head-to-head advantage over the two-time Grand Slam champion. However, their last meeting, in February 2010, had been very one-sided as the Russian beat Ana 6-1, 6-4 during a Fed Cup tie in Belgrade.

Ana was clearly unaffected by that memory. She comfortably held in the opening game and piled the pressure on her opponent in the next game with some flashy returns. She broke and then held again to lead 3-0.

The 23-year-old served strongly throughout and dominated not only with her forehand but her backhand too. Kuznetsova had no answer to the former world No.1's controlled aggression.

Ana was all over the Kuznetsova second serve in particular, winning a whopping 75 per cent of points on it. She was broken twice herself, but she seized all five of her break point chances - a most satisfying statistic for any player.

After taking the first set Ana did not let up a jot. Her smooth groundstrokes continued to delight the evening crowd on the Lotus Court, despite the chilly conditions that caused Ana to wear a top over her tennis dress.

Ana led 5-1 and served for the match, but was broken by the Russian. However, it proved to be nothing more than a mere blip, as the 2008 French Open champion solidified a most impressive win in the following game.

"Since putting my new team in place a few months ago, I feel that I've been moving in the right direction," said Ana.

"Today was proof of that. I was very happy with my game and I am really looking forward to the next challenge."

Ana will meet either third seed Vera Zvonareva or Czech Klara Zakopalova in the third round on Wednesday.

Photos of Ana practicing this morning on the main stadium before her match today

Ana from her Facebook

That was a fun match and I was pleased with how I played. I also had the closest Hawk-Eye challenge ever! It was like one millimetre – fortunately in my favour :)

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First Round Photos