New Year, New Ana Ivanovic

After endless trials and tribulations, Ana Ivanovic looks to have re-found her inner strength and that champion attitude that took her to top the rankings as she bagged the first title of 2014 in Auckland. The triumph marks a long-awaited revival of the former French Open champion, whose last WTA success came in 2011 at the Tournament of Champions in Bali.

The Serbian has a tremendous game making her one of the most exciting players on the tour. When she is full on, there are few who can stay in her way. Unfortunately, in recent years she wasn't able to put together more than a few such performances in a row. That prevented her from reaching any final stages in the last couple of seasons. 2014 seems to be the year of her return to the top though. 

With a new approach to the sport, a calmer Ivanovic started the new season on a high note conquering the crown in Auckland after a strong week of tennis. She didn't drop a set en route to the final, beating fellow top 20-er, Belgian Kirsten Flipkens, along the way. Playing one of her nemesis in the final, Ana knew she must bring her A-game if she wants to stand a chance against Venus Williams. She was all set to close out the match in straight sets as she served for the title at 6-2,5-4. However, the American, one of the fiercest competitors in history, came back to level the dispute by winning the second act 7-5. Showing great mental progress, Ivanovic did not crumple under the immense pressure. She kept believing, pressing Williams with her aggressive display to ultimately emerge victorious. 

"It's amazing," Ivanovic said. "Coming into this week I didn't really have any expectations. I didn't even think about making the finals or winning it. I just tried my best, and I felt very comfortable here.

"Today was a great match. Venus is always very tough—she's a great champion and showed that again today. I'm just happy that after losing that second set I managed to stay calm and close it out."

It's so great to have exciting Ana back. This success might be just the beginning of a potentially spectacular 2014. Congrats Ana!

Aged 33, Venus Williams remains a force to be reckoned with. The American showed she is back in business after reaching the Auckland final where she barely lost to an inspired Ivanovic.

Ana Ivanovic looks to have put her gray days behind her, claiming the first title since Bali in 2011. The Serbian beat Venus 6-2,5-7,6-4 to claim the Auckland crown.

photos: GETTY IMAGES