Ivanovic defends Bali title
Medina Garrigues crushed in straight sets
Last Updated: November 6, 2011 10:48am
Ana Ivanovic: claimed 11th career title but first of 2011 at Tournament of Champions
Ana Ivanovic celebrated her 24th birthday with a successful defence of her Tournament of Champions title with a 6-3 6-0 victory over Anabel Medina Garrigues on Sunday.
The Serb broke just once in the first set, for a 2-0 advantage, but also held four break points to lead 4-0 before Medina Garrigues managed to haul herself into the contest.
The second set was a rout, however, as Ivanovic surrendered just seven points on her way to closing out the match.
"I feel great," said Ivanovic after picking up the 11th singles title of her career - but first since this event last year.
"I think I played an impeccable match today. I didn't do much wrong and really stayed so focused and even sat at her chair (at a change of ends)."
"I think I played an impeccable match today. I didn't do much wrong and really stayed so focused and even sat at her chair (at a change of ends)."
Ana Ivanovic Quotes of the week
Ivanovic, who was granted a wild card into the tournament, won all three of her matches in straight sets and did not face a break point in the final.
Sore shoulder
Remarkably, the former world number one and French Open champion came into the final concerned about her ability to perform.
"My shoulder was actually scary," Ivanovic admitted. "Yesterday it started to feel really sore. I did some autographs after the match and I couldn't even sign.
"I really tried to keep points short and take pace off my serve and it really worked well. I'm very proud of the way I played and the way I handled myself."
Medina Garrigues felt she was helpless as Ivanovic played at such a high level, and believes her opponent is capable of regaining the number one ranking she held briefly in 2008.
"I don't feel good about the way I played today, but Ana was playing so good I couldn't do too much," said the Spaniard.
"She didn't feel the pressure and was playing good, solid.
"I think she can be number one again. She has unbelievable tennis. It's difficult, but she was already number one.
"It's going to be tough but she has the game, the technique and the physical strength."
Following a three-year run in Bali, the tournament will move to Sofia, Bulgaria for three more years from 2012.
