4 and Counting for Improved Ivanovic

2014 was by far Ana Ivanovic's most consistent season. The Serb-who saw her game crumble to pieces following her rise to fame in 2008-has been making tremendous efforts to get her career going again and her work is finally starting to pay off.

Winner of three titles already this year (in Auckland, Monterrey, and Birmingham), Ana put forth a master performance to emerge victorious at the premiere Pan Pacific event in Tokyo. The road was tough, but a more complex Ivanovic handled the challenge superbly. She beat a slew of fierce opponents, defeating Vika Azarenka, Lucie Safarova, Angelique Kerber, respectively US Open runner-up Caroline Wozniacki in the final without dropping a set. 

"Caroline played a great match today," the Serb said afterwards. "It was a really good battle out there—there were some very tough moments, especially in the second set. But I just tried to take it one point at a time, and I'm really happy to make it through. It's just an amazing feeling to win this title."

"I love coming out here—you guys are amazing, it's always a pleasure to see you all," she confessed. "I've made some friends here through the years and it's great to be back every year."

Probably the most significant victory this week came over Lucie Safarova, ending thus a 5-match losing streak against the Czech. This is Ana's most important success since claiming her maiden Grand Slam crown at Roland Garros in 2008.

With four WTA titles to her name, Ana is now again a solid top 10 player, which puts her in an excellent position to secure one of the eight tickets to the WTA Championships in Singapore. "I'm really happy that this is one step closer to the WTA Finals in Singapore," Ivanovic said. "It's coming close and everything's on the line."

Good luck, girl! So glad to have you back and looking better than ever!

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Ivanovic on a Mission to Collect Silverware

After a few dark years when she failed to win a WTA crown, Ana Ivanovic seems determined to make up for the lost time. The popular Serb whetted her appetite in January by winning in Auckland. Since then she's been victorious in Monterrey, lost the final in Stuttgart, and has now recorded her first triumph on grass in Birmingham.

Ivanovic was in solid form the whole week, going on to claim the title without dropping a set. She beat German Mona Barthel, American Lauren Davis, Czech Klara Koukalova, Chinese Shuai Zhang, respectively Czech Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova in the final. 

"It definitely feels very special, not just to win my first title on grass, but to put my name next to champions like that (i.e. Martina Navratilova or Billy Jean King)," Ivanovic said. "I really had a good time on grass. "The crowd really has been amazing. I enjoyed my time here and I look forward to next year," she added.

Although the draw played in her favour, I am impressed by her capacity to take these opportunities and make the most out of them. She looks to have finally recaptured that winner's attitude that took her to the top of the game in 2008. She's not quite as strong as she used to be, but Ana is making huge progresses and I wouldn't be surprised to see her in contentation for the Slams once again.

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Ana's Revival Gathers Steam in Mexico

After a sensational start to 2014, Ana's season keeps getting better as the Serbian added a second crown in Monterrey. 

Seeded second, Ivanovic played solid tennis throughout the week, beating a few up-and-coming players, as well as former world No.1, Dane Caroline Wozniacki, to reach the final. Having taken out her fiercest competitor, Ana cruised through the final, easily dismissing her compatriot, Jovana Jaksic, 6-2,6-1.

It's been a few tough years for the 2008 French Open champion. A few years spent in the wilderness that have completely destroyed her stunning game and crushed her self-confidence. It took tons of patience, endless hard work, a few of the world's best coaches, plus a burning desire to return to the top, but after all these trials and tribulations, the ever-exciting Ivanovic seems to be finally rediscovering her former self. Monterrey is an international stop, but nevertheless, a title is a title, and with two crown already to her name (also Auckland), a Grand Slam quarterfinal, and wins over both Williams sisters—especially against world No.1 Serena—2014 is shaping out nicely for the Serbian. I still look forward to seeing her back in contention for the biggest prizes in women's tennis. She has it in her to add a second Slam to her resume. Go Ana!

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Bouchard Shows 'Genie' Powers

Although she lost to Na Li, Canadian darling, Eugenie Bouchard, proved a maturity well beyond her years to make her first Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open. 

Genie signaled her intentions last seasons when she reached her first final in Osaka, semifinals in Strasbourg and Quebec, as well as the third round at Wimbledon. As a result she was named the 2013 WTA Newcomer of the Year. 

In Melbourne, she cruised through the first three rounds without dropping a set, beating Chinese Hao Chen Tang, Frenchwoman Virginie Razzano, and American Lauren Davis. Things got a bit more difficult in the fourth round when she met home-hope, Casey Dellacqua. Although she's just 19, Bouchard showed her star quality, recovering from the loss of the first set to dismiss the Aussie 6-7,6-2,6-0. 

She played the biggest match of her career in the quarterfinals, when she faced resuscitated Ana Ivanovic. Even though the Serbian was sky-high on confidence following her shock win over world No.1 Serena Williams, she couldn't quite manage Genie's inspired performance. I was quite impressed on how this fierce teenager handled the situation. Ivanovic was playing very close to her best, but she somehow was outplayed by her opponent's aggressive display. The Canadian once again overcame a slow start, laboring her way to a sensational 5-7,7-5,6-2 victory.

Probably a bit overwhelmed by the media hype, she couldn't quite play her game in the semifinal against Li. The Chinese was too strong mentally and physically to be denied and she emerged victorious 6-2,6-4. Although the Canadian's ream run ended here, she totally won my heart with her superb performance. She's uninhibited, aggressive, bold, enthusiastic about being on court, and determined to play her best tennis.

I am sure this is just the beginning of the journey for Genie. There's so much potential here, so watch out because she will confirm. GO #GenieArmy!

In a battle of the big hitters, Eugenie Bouchard overcame resuscitated Ana Ivanovic to book her place in her maiden Grand Slam semifinal.

Genie made the delight of the Aussie crowd by confessing in the on-court interview that she would go on a date with teen idol, Justin Bieber.

Playing in her first major semifinal, Eugenie was no match for Chinese Na Li, who cruised through 6-2,6-4.

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The 2014 Fashion Scoop from DOWN UNDER

Every January, the Australian Open sets the fashion trends for the upcoming season. Disappointingly enough, this year there weren't many highlights. The outfits were relatively boring, with just a handful providing some kind of excitement. The standout piece came from Venus Williams' EleVen line, the clean-cut zebra dress being both edgy and classy. In the men's camp, Roger Federer continues to set the tone, looking sharp and fresh in his signature RF attire. 

In terms of colours, light blue and pink dominated the scene. While Adidas put forth a light blue-orange combo, Nike opted for shades of pink for its main collection. Again nothing spectacular here. Stella McCartney tried to spice things up and selected a sunny, vintage-looking print. She failed miserably. Her garments looked overdesigned and dusty. Wozniacki's dress is again a hot mess—so many weird things going on there, plus the use of green in addition to the heavy yellow print and the orange.

I was pleasantly surprised by Lacoste. They're line is always fresh and has that expensive feel to it. Also, Maria Sharapova chose turquoise to make her look better than I've seen her in ages.

The Queen of Style

Venus Williams - EleVen

Although she toned down her eccentricity, Venus remains the most exciting tennis fashionista. Although the dress is simple, the zebra print makes it interesting and exciting. This was my favourite piece from this year's Aussie Open. The garment is the perfect example that the American found the great balance between making fashion statements and creating clothing appropriate for the tennis court. 

I'm Blue da ba dee da ba die

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - AdiZero

Although I do not like the blue-orange combo, AdiZero continues to be the definition of coolness on the tennis court. However, while Ivanovic and Tsonga can look good wearing a plastic bag, the same does not stand for some of the other players—and this collection can easily highlight that. The overall proposition is relatively weak (boring design, uninspired colours, same cut as in previous seasons), but the clothes do maintain the line's trademark cool vibe.

Angelique Kerber - Adidas

Boooring … this Adidas look is so dull it's not even worth the bother. Please, I know you can do better! 

Maria Sharpova - Nike 'Maria Sharapova' Group

I am not a fan of Sharapova's on-court style these days, but there are a few positives about her Australian Open garment. First, the colour—the vibrant turquoise, which looks great in contrast with her skin tone. Second, the attempt to spice things up with the crazy printed underpants. Third, the cutout in the back, which is nice. Not sure why, but I actually like how this outfit looks on her. It's probably due to the colour, which does wonders against her skin, but I think this is the best I've seen her look in quite a while. 

Jelena Jankovic - FILA

Julia Goerges - FILA

I've always been a fan of Fila. They constantly produce great clothes that are sharp and expensive-looking. I particularly like this year's colour palette with the mix of turquoise, purple, and black. Although Jankovic's dress is interesting, I prefer the separates that Goerges is wearing—the colour blocking works better there.

Genie in a Bottle

Eugenie Bouchard - Nike 'Maria Sharapova' Group

Eugenie Bouchard is the latest tennis sensation. The young Canadian is quickly emerging as one veritable fashionista. As a consequence, she was given an upgrade in style by Nike, being among the exclusive few to wear Sharapova's limited signature line. Although the clothes stand out, they're not always the most flattering. Take this garment for example. It's the same problem that Vika had at the US Open. The skirt should probably be a few inches shorter and pulled a little lower, but Genie is one of those players that would look good in basically anything. She can do no wrong.

The Master

Roger Federer - Nike RF Group

I strongly believe that Roger Federer is the best dressed tennis player. Although his signature line is relatively classic in the approach, the Swiss always finds a way to look fresh and cool. In Melbourne, he wore checked shorts, part of a nicely balanced airy outfit. The greatest thing about Federer's attire is the detailing—the red touches providing a nice pop of colour.

Pink Overdose

Serena Williams - Nike

Serena came to Melbourne determined to win the crown. The overwhelming favourite, the American opted to make a load fashion statement wearing a bright pink, polka dot dress. The dress has an interesting colour blocking, the front and upper part being pink, while the back is all black. I wasn't blown away by the garment. It is a pretty safe choice—the cut is the standard V-neck, plunging neckline the American so loves—but in true Serena manner, she upped the styling by adding a pink blazer and matching pink-black nails to the ensemble. When she steps on to the court she is truly a presence, so I applaud her for that.

Victoria Azarenka - Nike

Worrisomely Vika did not just lose her mojo on court, but she's also gone astray with her fashion choices. The pink ensemble does not do her justice. This is just a pretty dull, too pinkish top and skirt that does not live up the expectations. The hip Belorussian should be wearing bold, edgy clothes. Let's relight the magic, Vika! Let's go back to Melbourne 2011. 

Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci - Nike

Boooring again. Nice palette, but I feel the colour blocking is exaggerated. I was confused when I first saw this outfit.

Sloane Stephens - UnderArmour

As I said a couple of times before, I strongly believe that Sloane Stephens is the shiniest fashion prospect in tennis at the moment. Although extremely young, the American has a cohesive style. She is classy, but extra hip and fresh. She loves daring colours—like pink, fuchsia, neon yellow or orange—which perfectly complement her dark skin tone. In Melbourne, she wore a vibrant peach dress, which had a looser fit than what she's usually wearing. While I like the change, I feel this cut is not the most flattering for her. The bottom part is too wide and it opens too much, adding a few extra kilos to the hip area. She should stick to wearing fitted clothes.

Stella's Sunny Disaster

Laura Robson - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Andrea Petkovic - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Flavia Pennetta - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Oh my, oh my! What a mess did miss Stella McCartney put together here?! Not really sure where to start, but I cannot quite digest this whole collection. OK, she chose a vintage print, which could have been wow, but she kept adding until the end result became yow (made up the word to rhyme). Let's take the separates. The sunny skirt is nice. The top though is crazy. There's so many things going on. First, it's the use of the print in blocks—something I cannot quite understand—it looks like she run out of fabric and found no other solution to fix the problem. Second, the orange waistline stripe. Third, the sheer upper part and the heart-shaped breast line. Four, the busy back. However, regardless of the numerous flaws, this garment still looks fresher than Wozniacki's grandma dress. The use of the print on the lambada skirt makes the dress seem dull and dusted. Plus, the top part comes from a completely different story. The mint waistline strip and the use of the green do not match with the sunny print. Sorry, Stella dear, but this is a hot mess. A failed experiment. I am confident you can do better. Pretty please, show us something designer worthy!

Classy Lacoste

Dominika Cibulkova - Lacoste

Alize Cornet - Lacoste

Simona Halep - Lacoste

As said, I like Lacoste. The cut is clean, the fabrics are rich, the clothes seem comfortable, and the design is nice, without being exaggerated. Plus, the colour palette is warm. 

Pijamas made in Japan

Novak Djokovic - UNIQLO

Since signing with Japanese producer, Uniqlo, Novak Djokovic seems to be playing in his pajamas all the time. Might sound mean, but it's the truth. The design is always the same, thus it looks dated, while the colours are dusted, especially the ever-present rat grey. The Serbian is in desperate need of a fashion make-over.

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