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Ivanovic satisfied with Dubai show

The 24-year-old Serb, who is ranked 18^th in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) singles standingd, beat Italy’s Francesca Schiavone 6-1, 7-5, in the first round before defeating Maria Kirilenko, of Russia, 6-2, 7-6 (4) in the subsequent stage.

However, the 2008 French Open champion and world number one’s tilt at the title was halted by defending champion Caroline Wozniacki, who ultimately prevailed 6-3, 7-5, on Centre Court in the last-eight phase on Thursday evening.

“I had a couple of great matches,” Ivanovic said. “My game against Caroline was good at times, but not consistent enough. It’s a bit disappointing, for sure.

“I feel I’m more consistent. I was just lacking a bit more patience at times. I was going for it too much, too soon. When I was going for it, I wasn’t going for it at the right times. That’s a little bit disappointing.

“I tried to put pressure on her, but I felt like – on my serve – I wasn’t as explosive as I had been and lacking a little bit of that intensity.

“When you play against top players, you have to be prepared to work hard for every point. I was, but – sometimes – I wanted it too soon. That cost me.

“It was very close and, even despite the things I didn’t do right, I still had lots of opportunities and that’s definitely a positive thing.

“But, it’s very disappointing that, after having a couple of good matches, I just wasn’t as consistent. Still, there’s a lot to learn from. It’s a process; you sometimes have little setbacks and I lost against a really good player.

“Overall, I’m pretty happy with my week.”

Wozniacki was suitably impressed too by the performance of Ivanovic, adding: “She showed why she’s been the number one in the world and won a Grand Slam.

“It’s because she can play tennis at this level. I knew it was going to come, so – at the end of the first set – I was like: ‘Okay, it’s a new set, it’s a new match, because she’s definitely not going to just hang around and simply play the ball.’

“She knows that – against me – she needs to just go for her shots.”