Ivanovic Almost Falters, Serena, Kuzzy Remain On Course!

June 25th, 2008

London, England

Today was almost a day of big grief for the world number 1 player, Ana Ivanovic as she struggled with her form and was nearly knocked out of the All England Club by Nathalie Dechy. The key word however is almost. Dechy played her heart out to capture the first set 7-6(2). The French woman even had two match points, on one Ivanovic was extremely lucky to have hit a forehand into the tape and have it dribble over and drop dead. Ivanovic went on to win the second set in a tiebreak as well, 7-6(3). The final set did not see Dechy simply die off, she did the opposite. Continuing to fight and try her best, she almost accomplished her goal, only to have Ivanovic win 10-8 in the third.

Serena Williams was also in action again today on Court 2, the Graveyard. However unlike three years ago, Serena did not lose and did not look in danger of losing to her opponent, Urszula Radwanska. Williams dictated play but looked slight sluggish at times, trying to catch her breath. Williams however held her ground and prevailed 6-4, 6-4. She will now face off against Amelie Mauresmo which should be an exciting 3rd Round match up.

Svetlana Kuznetsova was also in action and did not have any problems in her Second Round match. Nicole Vaidasova had a mental hiccup in her match up but won and is finally finding the form that brought her to the Quarter-Finals last year. Tomorrow Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova return to the courts for action.

Results:

Centre Court:

(4)Svetlana Kuznetsova d. Kateryna Bondarenko - 6-2, 6-3

Court 1:

(1)Ana Ivanovic d. Nathalie Dechy - 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 10-8

Court 2:

Jie Zheng d. Elena Baltacha - 6-2, 7-5

(6)Serena Williams d. Urszula Radwanska - 6-4, 6-4

(8)Anna Chakvetadze d. Edina Gallovits - 6-4, 6-2

Court 3:

(18)Nicole Vaidasovs d. Samantha Stosur - 6-2, 0-6, 6-4

Anabel Medina Garrigues d. Francesca Schiavone - 3-6, 7-5, 9-7

Top 10 Seeds:

1. Ana Ivanovic - Round 3

2. Jelena Jankovic - Round 2

3. Maria Sharapova - Round 2

4. Svetlana Kuznetsova - Round 3

5. Elena Dementieva - Round 2

6. Serena Williams - Round 3

7. Venus Williams - Round 2

8. Anna Chakvetadze - Round 3

9. Dinara Safina - Round 2

10. Daniela Hantuchova - Round 2