Ivanovic and Djokovic aim to give Serbia top spots
Updated: 2008-03-26 10:50
BELGRADE - Serbs Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic continued their surge towards the top of the world rankings after they both captured singles titles at the Pacific Life Open.
 Serbia's Ana Ivanovic playfully poses with her trophy after her win over Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova in the women's final match at the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California March 23, 2008. [Agencies] |
World number two Ivanovic won the women's title on Sunday with a 6-4 6-3 win over Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Indian Wells final, her fifth success in six meetings with the Russian.
Although she is still well behind top ranked Justine Henin in the WTA standings, Ivanovic has already closed the gap with the Belgian by more than 800 points since the start of the season.
The bubbly 20-year-old believes her effervescent performances in the Californian desert could mark a turning point in her career.
"It's the first time I won a two-week tournament and I think it's because I've been able to control my emotions while keeping my physical fitness and form," she told Belgrade's B92 Web site (www.b92.net) after taking her first title in 2008.
"It's the biggest title of my career and it will give me a lot of confidence in the bid to win a grand slam event," said Ivanovic, who lost the Australian Open final to Maria Sharapova in January.
Djokovic, the men's world number three, claimed his eighth singles title with a 6-2 5-7 6-3 win over American Mardy Fish.
Having defeated 2007 champion Rafael Nadal in the last four, the win allowed Djokovic to gain ground on the Spanish world number two.
 Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, bites his trophy after defeating Mardy Fish in their tennis match at the Pacific Life Open, Sunday, March 23, 2008, in Indian Wells, Calif. Djokovic won the match 6-2, 5-7, 6-3. [Agencies] |
While the success provided an icing on the cake for Djokovic, who picked up his first grand slam crown at the Australian Open in January, it also boosted his confidence in what has become a sustained challenge for the top spot.
POOR FORM
Djokovic's quest has been galvanised by the relatively poor form of world number one Roger Federer.
The Swiss was outfoxed in straight sets by Djokovic in the Melbourne Park semis and last week he was swept off court by Fish in the Indian Wells semis.
Federer has failed to win a singles title in the first quarter of the season for the first time since he became the world's top player in 2004 but Djokovic believes he still has plenty to offer along with Nadal.
"They are both very awkward opponents with contrasting styles and it is always very difficult to play against them," Djokovic told B92.
"But both of them must be a bit rocked by my recent results and by the accomplishments of other upcoming players, like (Australian Open finalist) Jo-Wilfried Tsonga," he said.
"Federer is like a magician on the court always looking for the perfect shot but he's had problems early in the season and that must have affected his confidence.
"He is certainly worried although he is determined to stay number one after being so dominant over the past four years.
"Nadal, on the other hand, has ruled clay courts all this time and he is just as hungry for the top spot."
Djokovic can close the gap on his rivals if he retains his Sony Ericsson Open title in Miami, where he will return to action later this week.
"To be the world's best player is also my top ambition and it keeps driving me forward although I have accomplished a lot at the age of 20.
"I won't stop if I become the number one player some day because there will always be more to play for."
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