subject: Ana Ivanovic: Back On Track For 2011 [print this page] Given Ana could barely string two wins together after claiming her first major title at Roland Garros in 2008, the last few months of 2010 were positively golden. Since the beginning of the Cincinnati event in August Ivanovic went 21-6, picking up trophies in Linz and Bali and finishing the year at World No. 17.
On the surface that might not seem very impressive. She didnt move much beyond her 2009 year-end ranking of No. 22, and had sat in the top spot just two years ago. But given the deep chasm that her ranking had plummeted into by mid 2010, her current position is very much a triumph.
Falling to No. 65 on July 12 marked the lowest point of her entire career. How could a fresh-faced Grand Slam champion with such determination and promise have fallen so heavily? Sure, there had been the odd bright patch. An Indian Wells finals appearance here, a trip to the Rome semifinals there. But mostly, the time from July 2008 to July 2010 was characterised by early losses, an erratic ball toss, tears, injuries and a revolving door of coaches and trainers.
It was such a contrast to that day in Paris in June 2008. Ivanovic had just dismantled Dinara Safina in the French Open final, winning in straight sets thanks to a flurry of technically-perfect forehand winners. Holding aloft the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen as the newly ranked No. 1, tennis had apparently found a fabulous successor to the throne recently vacated by Justine Henin.
But instead of gaining in confidence following this breakthrough, Ivanovic faltered. Bombing early that year at Wimbledon and the US Open as the top seed, the Serbian seemed a shadow of the player with the devastating baseline game and in-your-face confidence. She blamed her poor results on a thumb injury. But really, it had to be mostly mental. Over-analysing and Second-guessing herself, thinking too much instead of just swinging freely.
Poor form ensued in 2009. She failed to win a title or progress past the fourth round of a major. New coach Heinz Gunthardt arrived in early 2010 to reign in his highly-strung, emotional protg and bring her back to the basics of hitting a tennis ball. Although she claimed her game was improving under his tutelage, the results still werent coming. But then came Cincinnati.
Ana rediscovered her mojo in the mid-west, recovering from a dire position against Victoria Azarenka in the first round to grind out a three-set win and going on to reach the semifinals before injury forced her withdrawal. Despite the setback she returned with gusto in New York, straight-setting three opponents before falling in the fourth round to Clijsters. It was her best showing at a major in more than a year.
Then came the inspiring run to the Linz title, her first tournament victory in two years and, coincidentally, where she had won her last title. This was quickly followed by her triumph at the Tournament of Champions in Bali, catapulting her back inside the Top 20 and filling her with that previously elusive confidence for 2011.
So how will Ana fare in 2011? Australia has always been a happy stomping ground for her, and in Melbourne she has the family connection and the warm support of local fans. Clay is arguably her most productive surface, and shes proven she can win big on the dirt. The first six months of the season look promising, and form permitting, Ivanovic could conceivably re-enter the Top 10 given the lack of points she will be defending.
This would be a sensational outcome, because tennis needs Ivanovic. Shes glamorous, popular, marketable, articulate, talented, and above all, a champion.
Its a shame to see great players fall. But it gives us a heart-warming story when they return. Think of Andre Agassi falling out of the Top 100 in 1997 yet recovering to complete a career slam and rank No. 1 in 1999, or Steffi Graf being decimated by injury late in her career before rebounding to win the French Open, even Serena Williams succumbing to depression then defying everyones expectations to win the 2007 Australian Open. All make inspiring stories.
Ana could be that story in 2011. She just cant afford to think about it too much.
