Ana Ivanovic defeats Venus Williams
Exciting Serbian star Ana Ivanovic is one match away from her second Grand Slam final after downing Venus Williams to reach the Australian Open semi-finals at Melbourne Park.The 20-year-old No.4 seed claimed one of the game’s biggest scalps - and a six-time Grand Slam winner - in straight sets, 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.
It was her first-ever win over Williams, pushing the world No.3 into a semi-final clash with Daniela Hantuchova, having last year reached the decider at the French Open.
Ivanovic took a mistake-laden but thrilling first set in a tiebreaker after both players traded blow-for-blow over 55 absorbing minutes.
Neither player was able to get her service game going - six games going against serve - and the trend continued early in the tiebreak.
The Serbian won two points on Williams’ serve to take a stranglehold on the tiebreak, eventually winning 7-3.
Williams, her left thigh heavily strapped, hinted at a revival when she broke Ivanovic at 1-0 in the second set.
But the advantage was lost when Ivanovic broke back at 3-1.
The Serbian set up victory when she broke Williams again at 4-4, holding serve after saving two break points to take the match.
Ivanovic, who has family in Melbourne and has been adopted by the centre-court crowd, shrieked with delight after her victory.
“It’s amazing…you helped me to get through that second set,” she told the crowd. “I’m thrilled because I love playing here and I’m thrilled to be through.” AO
