US Open – Ana Ivanovic and Venus Williams Lead the Ladies into Round Three
Two-time US Open champion Venus Williams has had easier days at the office. The former world number one was at the end of a tough examination by Canadian qualifier Rebecca Marino before she finally prevailed. Venus’ powers of resilience and fortitude were called into action in a match she was expected to breeze past. Yet Marino was no pushover and pushed the American to the limit, especially in the first set.
Even though eventually it was a straight-set win 7-6, (7-3) 6-3 for Williams, she had to call onto her reserves of recovery to finally beat the Canadian qualifier on a sweltering hot day. Williams herself admitted that the qualifier had tested her and that it was good to be through to round three. She praised her opponent for her variety of serve and said that the conditions also made it to tough to be at her best. The first set was fairly challenging when Williams was unable to get a clear two-game advantage and the set had to go to the tiebreaker. After a tense competition, Williams finally prevailed and then was more assured in the second set as she wrapped up the game. Williams’ prize for overcoming her stern test will be to play Mandy Minella of Luxembourg in the next round.
Another former world number one, Ana Ivanovic, continued her path to recovery and her best form as she completely annihilated the 21st seed in the competition, Zheng Jie of China. The match was over before you know it with the game ending at 6-3, 6-0. Ivanovic, who was once the darling of tennis and was tipped to become one of the greats of the women’s game, has fallen down the ladder in recent years and is currently ranked 40th in the world. Her display in the second round, however, reminded everyone of how talented the young Serb is and how she can be among the best on her day. After injuries and a steep loss of form, it seems as though Ivanovic is finally on her way back. In the post-match interview, Ivanovic said that she remembered saying a few years ago that despite being the world number one player, she did not feel as if she was playing that way. She added that her play this week so far makes her think she is playing like a top-10 player and that she has regained the confidence to beat anyone on the other side of the net. Her joy of competing will be tested in the next round against French Virginie Razzano who ousted her compatriot, Marion Bartoli, 7-5, 6-4.
Defending champion Kim Clijsters continued to look strong in the tournament as she brushed aside Sally Peers 6-2, 6-1 in a night match. Despite the easy looking score-line, Clijsters had a tougher time of it, committing 21 unforced errors. Yet her quality of play was able to atone for that, as the Belgian cruised through to the next round. Clijsters admitted she was not at her best in the game, but promised that she will get better as the tournament progresses.
Victoria Azarenka, the 10th seed, was taken to the hospital after collapsing and giving everyone a scare. During her fixture against Gisela Dulko, the player collapsed and later revealed that she was suffering from a mild concussion which followed on from an earlier fall during training. Dulko will now move on and will go on to meet Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The 20th seed ended the hopes of the subcontinent as she defeated Sania Mirza in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.
In other games, French Open champion, Francesca Schiavone destroyed Maria Elena Camerin 6-2, 6-1, while former world number four Daniela Hantuchova saw off the challenge of American Vania King 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 after a gruelling battle.
Finally, 12th seed Elena Dementieva was in good form as she cruised past Austria’s Sybille Bammer 6-3, 6-4, while 5th seed Samantha Stosur was a winner over fellow Aussie Anastasia Rodionova 6-1, 6-4.
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