Former Australian Open finalist Ana Ivanovic has progressed into the second round of Australian Open 2010, knocking out American qualifier Shenay Perry 6-2 6-3 in front of a packed Margaret Court Arena on Tuesday.
Ivanovic, the 20th seed for the tournament, started her first round match well, securing the first break of the opening set after the 25-year-old American hit a backhand volley wide.
Serving at 3-1, Ivanovic was unable to hold serve and handed back the break with a forehand into the net.
After trading breaks, the women’s 2008 runner-up took control, breaking Perry’s serve for the third time en route to claiming the first set 6-2 in 31 minutes.
Once Ivanovic found her range, she strolled through the second set, racing to a 5-1 lead. Perry tried approaching the net to put pressure on the Serb, but struggled with her volleys.
The big-serving American did not back down, with Perry composing herself and breaking the Ivanovic serve to bring herself back into the match.
Serving at 5-3, Ivanovic struggled with her serve in the windy conditions with two double faults, but bounced back with a 172km/h ace to save one of four break points for the game. Ivanovic managed to hold serve, closing out the set 6-3 after Perry dumped a groundstroke into the net.
Despite having trouble in the final game, Ivanovic served consistently, winning 81 per cent of her first serves and firing three aces.
“I was pleased with the way I played. The conditions were very tough. It was very cold and windy and a lot different than Brisbane or what I [have] been used to,” Ivanovic said post-match.
“But I just tried to work my way through, just taking time, try to stay composed. I thought I played well and served good.”
With the win, Ivanovic now holds a 4-0 head-to-head record against the American. She will meet the winner of the Zuzana Kucova/Gisela Dulko match in the next round.
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