After a not so stunning performance in Brisbane, Ana Ivanovic went down to Melbourne for the first grandslam of the year with little confidence. It showed in her opening match as her shots were very tenative and her ball toss was all over the place. Although Ivanovic faced technical problems, she was able to advance into the second round with a 7-5 6-3 victory against the German Julia Goerges.
The first set was tight by both players. Goerges got the early break to get ahead 3-1, and even had a break point to serve with a 4-1 advantage, but was unable to convert. Ivanovic then went on a tear of 10 straight points to lead 4-3. Ivanovic had an opportunity to serve out the opening set when she gave herself 4 break points, but mental mistakes from the Serb failed that chance. Both players were able to hold serve for 5-5, but it was experience from Ivanovic that was able to get the break and serve out the first set 7-5.
Ivanovic look as if she was going to run away with the match when she opened up the second set with a break. However, Goerges wasn't ready to fold and she broke right back. Both players then held serve to 3-3 with many tight games. Ivanovic finally found her form that got her to the final last year and was able to win the last three games to take the match.
Ivanovic's next opponent is the Italian qualifier, Alberta Brianti. The two have never faced each other before.
"It took me some time to adjust to [the play of Goerges] in the beginning," Ivanovic said. "But I'm very happy that I took opportunities I had. It was very, very close first set. In the second set, it was lot of games with deuce and advantage. But [was] very happy to keep my composure in important moments. You know, I expect tough [matches] every match I step on the court. Obviously you want to work your way into tournament."
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