Ana Ivanovic trounces Svetlana Kuznetsova to reach round two – Internazionali BNL D’Italia 2012
Seeded 13th in this tournament, Ana Ivanovic took down the former world number two, Svetlana Kuznetsova, in straight sets at the Internazionali BNL D’Italia 2012 on Monday. She nudged up a 6-4, 6-3 victory against the Dubai resident to breeze
into the second round at this WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Premier Mandatory event taking place in Rome.
The former world number one, Ivanovic recreated her old magic to carve out the victory in their 10th meeting. After earning the limelight in one hour and 17 minutes, the Serb not only avenged her loss at the Fed Cup earlier this circuit but also
extended her lead in the head-to-head series by 7-3 against Kuznetsova.
"It was difficult at times and the gusts of wind would come out of nowhere, but it was the same for both of us," the gorgeous Serb was quoted in a post-match press conference. "I just tried to move and adjust to it, and look at the ball and move forward
when I needed to."
Ivanovic stormed into Foro Italico and drew the first blood in the opening game to jump to a 2-0 lead. Apart from losing her edge in the sixth game, the Serb cashed in her second break chance in the very next game and put her nose ahead once more. She then
plucked remaining serves and clicked the opener with a 6-4 win.
Ranked 15th in the WTA Premier Rankings, Ivanovic kept momentum rolling in the proceeding set and earned the coveted break in the opening game again. Regardless of losing her serve in the very next game, the Serb capitalised on two more break
chances and conquered the set with a 6-3 score line.
Summing up the Serbian number one performance, Ivanovic brushed off five out of seven breakpoints she faced and converted all five break opportunities to her advantage. She manipulated a lower first serve share of 63 per cent as opposed to her rival’s 72
per cent but amazingly availed 27 out of 36 points on it.
Up next for Ivanovic is the winner of the match between Spanish qualifier Silvia Soler-Espinosa and the local wild card entrant, Alberta Brianti.
The 12th seed, Angelique Kerber, will accompany her in the follow-up round. The German booming star hit back from a set down to outclass the Australian qualifier, Anastasia Rodionova, in three sets to progress. She was broken down five times but
capitalised on seven out of 13 break chances to formulate a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 success.
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