TENNIS WTA Stuttgart – A. Ivanovic d S. Kuznetsova 6-3, 2-6, 6-4. An interview with Ana Ivanovic.
Another tough battle for you out there today?
Yes, I mean it was a very tough match today. Great quality though. I felt from the first moment on it was a tough match and long rallies. She played well. I think she improved a lot. Her ball on the clay comes a lot heavier with lots of spin. I managed to get into the rhythm a little bit after the first few games. So, I’m very happy overall.
So, your possible two competitors are playing now. Two very different characters. What’s your game plan now?
Again, we’re going to have and see because, like you mentioned, they are two completely different players. It just shows how strong this field is. I could have played Jelena in the first round and now it might be the semi-final. So, it’s going to be a tough match. But I know both players quite well. I will talk to my coach after the match is over.
Are you still happy with your level of consistency? Are there things you would like to improve?
I think it’s really improved my consistency. I’m showing that week in week out and this week to win today’s match really means a lot to me and also yesterday to come back from a set down when Görges was playing so well and then today again to win in the third set. It just means a lot to me and all the hard work paying off.
The first set you played very well, then the second set Svetlana played well. In the third you both had opportunities. It was amazing when it was 0:1, 15:40. You’re mentally so strong now as compared to last year?
Definitely. It’s something that we worked on a lot. This is something that I try to focus on throughout my match not to think too much about the score but rather taking it one point at a time, no matter what the score is and try to do my best each point. It was a very very tough game. Lots of deuces as well and lots of break points for her. You know, after I won that game that gave me strength. Then I felt I had the momentum. But still I felt she played very well in the third set as well.
Question: Kuznetsova and you have played ten or eleven times together. This was one of the toughest matches for you?
IVANOVIC: Yes, it was. I remember actually once we played 7:6 in the final in Berlin. I think it was 2007. That is the one I remember the most because I think it was one of my first big titles. So that was a very tough match as well.
Question: What happened to your foot?
IVANOVIC: I nearly twisted my ankle because I was a little bit scared. And then I had a blister that needed treatment a little bit because it was hurting a little bit. But now it’s okay.
Question: What did you do with her kick serve?
IVANOVIC: She is one of the players that has the strongest kick serve I think on the Women’s Tour. Today, I stepped back a little bit and take my time. Because when I try to step in, it’s very hard to control it. So, I stepped back and then I felt I had more control and more power.
Question: Was she kicking it side to you or was it coming up?
IVANOVIC: It’s coming up and then wide on my backhand.
Question: Last time when I asked whether you watch the statistics you said no. I saw your coach checking the statistics?
IVANOVIC: Yes, I know. My coach watches it a lot and with the new system we have now he’s been studying it a little bit yesterday and today. So, he showed me few things. It was actually quite interesting to learn. I’m not going to discuss the details but it was definitely helpful for me too.
Question: Your ball toss has improved. Have you worked on it a lot? Because I noticed before it would go off to the side but no it’s pretty much consistent.
IVANOVIC: I think it comes with being calm and not rushing. Because still sometimes when I rush it gets away from me but I did work a lot on my serve. And it’s sort of building confidence through the tough matches. So, I’m feeling a lot more confident lately.
