Ana Ivanovic's campaign to defend her title began with a stutter, but ended with a bang in a 7-6 (3), 6-3 victory over Sara Errani in the tournament's opening match on Court Philip Chatrier.
Struggling with her serve, backhand and a gritty opponent in the first during the first set, the Serbian righted her ship in the tiebreaker, nailing a series of brilliant forehand winners and watching her opponent commit two uncharacteristic unforced errors to end the 72-minute first set.
Playing with much more confidence in the second set, Ivanovic dictated play with her forehand and aggressive returns, no longer hesitating when she received balls into her wheelhouse.
The 21-year-old needed three match points to close out the contest, but ended it with a bullet forehand and a swing volley winner.
Consistency the key
After besting Dinara Safina for the title last year, Ivanovic grabbed the No. 1 ranking, but since then, has struggled with injury and her place in the sport. One of the most talented, ambitious and intelligent young players on tour, the eight seeded Ivanovic realizes she must take her game to the next level in order to consistently push the top five.
"You just have to sort of get through the tough days,” she said.
Her coach, Criag Kardon, says that his perfectionist student needs to take it easier on herself.
"At times she wants it too bad and if she doesn't she gets frustrated," Kardon said. "She's getting better at it and that comes with maturity. She's done a lot for someone her age and her game will continue to grow… There are a lot of great players in the top five who could break through and dominate if they can put it together. Ana is right there in that group."
Ivanovic will play the winner of the match between France's Camille Pin and Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn.
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