Update 5:00 pm. World number 22 Ana Ivanovic will be looking to go one step further in her third appearance at the Brisbane International.
Having made the quarterfinals in the tournament’s inaugural year, she then advanced to within one match of the final in 2011 and will be hoping that upward trend continues at this season’s event.
“I love this tournament, I’ve played it a couple of times already,” she said at a Queen Street Mall press conference.
“I had practice outside on Pat Rafter Arena this morning and it’s been really nice. It’s been good to be around the tournament again.
“It’s lots of fun, I’m looking forward to this week.”
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However, with the Brisbane International set to host its toughest field in the tournament’s history, winning through to the final will be no easy task.
Following the release of the draw on Saturday morning, the Serb is in line to face fifth seed Kim Clijsters in the second round, with a potential quarterfinal match-up against Australia’s own Sam Stosur also on the cards.
But Ivanovic said she hasn’t yet had the opportunity to run a keen eye over any future contests.
“Actually I haven’t [seen the draw], I’ve been practising this morning and the draw has just been done but I know there is lots of good players out here this year.
“It’s a stronger event [than last season].
“It’s a good preparation and a good way to track exactly where you’re at.
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“If you want to get deep in a tournament you have to face them at some point so, you know, why not sooner?”
Her relationship with Australian golfer Adam Scott has seen her take to the fairways in support – fans can expect to see Scott return the favour from the stands at Pat Rafter Arena.
The two often practise together and, according to Ana, Scott can more than hold his own with a racquet in hand.
“He’s actually a really good tennis player. He can hit winners, he aced me a few times, so he was happy about that,” she said with a laugh.
Ivanovic will be looking to send down some killer serves of her own when the tournament’s main draw kicks off on Sunday.