Ana Ivanovic has dumped the last remaining Australian woman from the Brisbane International, defeating Jarmila Gajdosova in straight sets.
Making her first appearance in Brisbane in three years, the Serbian prevailed 6-4 6-1 to open her 2015 account in style at Pat Rafter Arena on Wednesday night.
Following Sam Stosur’s shock first round loss and the exits of adopted Aussies Ajla Tomljanovic and Daria Gavrilova on Tuesday, there are no locals left in the women’s singles draw.
Ivanovic was given a stern test early on by wildcard entrant Gajdosova, who upset China’s Shuai Zhang in the first round and has made strides on her comeback trail from a bout of glandular fever.
But the former world No.1 turned the screws at the right time, saving three break points to hold for 5-4 before closing out the opening set in 44 minutes.
She then soaked up the pressure from Gajdosova, who tried her best to stay in touch, but was ultimately outclassed by Ivanovic, currently ranked No.7, in a brutal second set.
“We actually grew up together playing juniors so we’ve known each other for a long time,” Ivanovic said.
“I really tried to get into the match a little bit in the beginning and I was really happy to raise my level in the second set.”
All four women’s quarterfinals will take place on Thursday, with Ivanovic to face 2012 Brisbane champion Kaia Kanepi after the Estonian’s 6-3 7-6 win over Madison Brengle earlier on centre court.
Ivanovic did not finish with a top 10 WTA ranking in any year from 2009 to 2013, but appears to be on a slow climb back to the top after a breakthrough season last year.
She captured a career-best four singles titles and notched seven top 10 wins in 2014.
“It was an amazing year,” Ivanovic said. “I really started to enjoy myself off the court and tried to approach it a little light-hearted and enjoy the competition.
“I was really happy that I managed to do that and my form improved over the last few months of last year.”
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