MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Ana Ivanovic, hoping to rediscover the form that helped her reach two Grand Slam finals in 2008, started her Australian Open campaign Tuesday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over American Shenay Perry.
Ivanovic was runner-up at the 2008 Australian Open and won the French Open as she rose to No. 1 in the rankings.
But after slumping in 2009 and failing to win a title, the 22-year-old Serb’s opening match was put on one of the uncovered courts in overcast conditions.
Ivanovic, who has become a crowd favorite Down Under since she began dating Australian professional golfer Adam Scott, saved four break points in the final game before holding serve to take the match.