It's no secret that she has been struggling in recent years. Nevertheless, despite all her trials and tribulations, she remained a believer. She continued to work hard, being confident she has it in her to shine again. This time last year she appeared to be back on track. She started playing some of her finest tennis, showing sparks of the magical form that took her to the top of the ranking in 2008. It wasn't to be though, as some small injuries and the split from coach Heinz Gunthardt took their toll and ultimately her climb was once again derailed. She failed to make a final the entire year, drifting further apart from the player who used to be a strong Grand Slam candidate.
At the end of each competitive year, the 6 best ranked players who have captured at least one International tournament during the season and who are not participating in singles at the WTA Championships get to dispute the prestigious Tournament of Champions crown. Ana's lack of success did not allow her to automatically qualify. However, luckily for her, the draw included 2 wildcards and the Serbian, as the defending champion, was granted one of them. The organizers was right in doing so, as Ivanovic was up for a sensational delivery. As she stressed it last year, the surreal surroundings of Bali inspire her. She takes the eyes off the prize and just enjoys herself on the court. At the end of the day it pays off, as apparently she is most efficient when she is relaxed, positive and not over thinking things. Armed with such serene attitude, she snapped a two match losing streak to Italian Roberta Vinci by defeating her 6-3,6-3 in their first round encounter. In the semifinals, she fought off a late resurgence from old time rival Nadia Petrova to ensure a 6-1,7-5 win. She saved the best for last though. In the final showdown against Spanish Anabel Medina Garrigues, the Serbian was imperial, dismissing her opponent at the expense of only three games, 6-3,6-0. Celebrating her 24th birthday, she gave herself the best present, collecting her 11th WTA trophy.
Experiencing such difficult times in 2011 has definitely help Ana mature. She can now take in all the learnings and give it a fresh start in 2012. She is such an explosive player and she gives so much on the court that is always exhilarating to watch her play. She has the big game and her forehand is probably the best in women's tennis. Thus, if she can find the key to unlock it at the right moments, we surely haven't seen the last of miss Ivanovic.
photos: GETTY IMAGES
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