Daniela Hantuchova, Ana Ivanovic sail into the third round – AEGON Classic 2011
Slovakian tennis star Daniela Hantuchova made quick work of Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-0, 6-3 to advance into the third round of 2011 AEGON Classic being played at the Edgbaston Prior Club here in Birmingham.
Although Hantuchova had a disappointing clay court season, she was able to find her form here on the green surface not allowing the challenger to breath in a completely one sided dual.
Looking to gain control over the contest, the Slovakian tennis-pro started off very aggressively. She was brave enough to come close to the net and she executed her clever drop shots to perfection to earn vital points. Breaking
the serve three times in the opening set, the world number 28 established complete control over the situation as she took the set score lead 1-0.
A good fight back by Cirstea was observed in the following set as she managed to hold on to her first two serve games to even the scoreline 2-2. However Hantuchova seemed unaffected by that as she broke Cirstea twice again to ensure
her victory in straight sets.
Hantuchova’s serve was on-target most of the times as she controlled the points on her service games. Securing 52 pecent of the points at the receiving end, she left the challenger with very limited options. Cirstea struggled with
her serve and allowed former world number five player to play her game freely. She was disappointed with her effort and aimed for a strong return on her next WTA appearance. Hantuchova will be meeting Russian Alla Kudryavtseva in her next match-up at the US
$ 220,000 tournament.
The highest remaining seed at AEGON Classic Ana Ivanovic also cruised into the third round with a stunning 6-1, 6-0 victory over Georgian Anna Tatishvili.
The Serb, who has not won a Women’s Tennis Association title in last seven months, showed no signs of rust as she required only 45 minutes to dispatch her rival. Former world number one player broke the serve at regular intervals
during the contest and made Tatishvili game plan looked completely ineffective.
Ivanovic was absolutely delighted with her performance and also expressed her thoughts in a post match interview.
"I had forgotten how lovely the grass is. It's great to be back on it. I lost the first game because I was feeling a bit passive, but when I stepped in a bit more it changed the match.", she said.
Feeling very motivated about the way she player, Ivanovic concluded that she is hoping to lift her first ever Wimbledon trophy.
"I really would like one day to win that trophy," she said.
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