In today's Birmingham semifinals, the two tennis darlings Ana Ivanovic and Daniela Hantuchova squared off for a place in the first grasscourt final of the year. Both have been in cruising form this week, advancing to this stage without losing a set. While Daniela comes after destroying top seeded Wozniacki in the third round of the French Open, Ivanovic has been struggling to recapture the form that took her to number 1 in the world in 2008. Having beaten the Slovak in four of their five previous meetings, this was Serbian's chance to climb up the ranking and to gain some momentum before Wimbledon. Having failed miserably in the two previous Slam, she definitely needs a good result there.
Showing they are loving the UK grass courts, the blonde Hantuchova and the brunette Ivanovic were up for a fierce battle. After a topsy-turvy first set claimed by the Serb on a tie-break, Daniela fought right back. Dismissing several break points, the Slovak was able to capitalize on a sole occasion in the eighth game, when an erratic Ana handed her the decisive break. She went on to win the set 6-3. As the match progressed there was little to separate the two. Tall, long-legged and long-haired players, they were even wearing the same Adidas outfit. At one set a piece, the only thing differentiating them was the colour of their hair. At that stage a quick summer rain set in, forcing the two off the court. When the play resumed, it was Daniela who came out the strongest. Having saved another bunch of break points, she broke Ivanovic's serve in the sixth game and was unstoppable afterwards. There must be something with the blondes, as is yet another war in which they came out on top.
After a solid display, Hantuchova is set to meet German Sabine Lisicki in tomorrow's final, hoping to collect her second title of the year (i.e. she won the Pattaya trophy in February). On the other side, Ivanovic shows just why she isn't the player she once was. Although the shots are there, there's something that just isn't working. She just can't seem to put it all together for more than a set, a set and a half. I really hope she will regain her momentum as the young Serbian is by far the most exciting player to watch.
After a solid display, Hantuchova is set to meet German Sabine Lisicki in tomorrow's final, hoping to collect her second title of the year (i.e. she won the Pattaya trophy in February). On the other side, Ivanovic shows just why she isn't the player she once was. Although the shots are there, there's something that just isn't working. She just can't seem to put it all together for more than a set, a set and a half. I really hope she will regain her momentum as the young Serbian is by far the most exciting player to watch.
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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