U.S. Open 2009: Ivanovic Suffers Nail In The Coffin

MarkOskar RandmaaSep 2, 2009

After Murray took the first set against my one-time hot pick (many moons ago) Gulbis, the broadcast switched over to the thrilling finally of Ana Ivanovic and the Ukranian Bondarenko.
The two had locked horns for hours and it was coming down to a final tie-break, the only slam to employ such a sadistic way to end a match. It is indeed sadistic, however somehow fitting, especially under the New York lights.

With the two looking nervous, tired, and tense, the tie-break began. Some tentative serving, missed balls, and challenged calls, kept things close until Ivanovic held a match-point. Surely the former #1 will pull this out? No, and play continued until finally Bondarenko took the final point to crush Ana's already disappointing year.

Ivanovic hasn't had much success here in New York. She made it into the fourth round in 2007, and last year, laid an egg in the second. It's been an odd decline for the player with model-like looks, and a perfect personality to find stardom, however the game simply isn't there anymore.

Put her next to Serena, Safina, or Dementieva and from a physical perspective you'll know exactly what I mean. Her balls are relatively soft, her (new) serve at least last night, stunk, and there is zero intimidation factor.

I feel bad for her at times, I shouldn't, and I have laid into what I think of her (and Jankovic) many times in this blog, but something needs to change drastically for Ana if she wants to stick around and be relevant to top tennis.

My immediate thoughts on how to change are simple:
1) Cut the crap with this serve motion (you too Sharapova). This is horrible coaching from folks who know better, who are using club-player "C" class instruction on top players. The motion is extremely limiting on potential and won't cut it against the top players. Sharapova, because of reach may get away with it, but forget about it Ivanovic. Shame on you coaches!

2) You need to work on your physical fitness, much like Safina and Dementieva. I'm not talking about pure aerobic stuff (though that never hurts)...Ana, it's time to hit the gym and start building some popeye. The game has changed too much, and you aren't good enough as a pure tactician.

I'm being hard on Ivanovic, but something clearly needs to change out there for her.
Let's hope she uses the fall/winter season to turn things around.

MarkOskar