TENNIS in DEPTH.

Ivanovic, who didn’t win an International title this year but was given a wildcard into the event as defending champion, had looked solid through her first two rounds, snapping a two-match losing streak to Roberta Vinci with a 63 63 win, then holding off a late surge from longtime rival Nadia Petrova, 61 75. That form only got better in the final, as Ivanovic broke early en route to taking the first set, then dominated the 27-minute second set, losing just seven points. While they had comparable unforced errors – Ivanovic 18, Medina Garrigues 17 – Ivanovic kept piling on winners from both wings, finishing the 61-minute match with 20 of them (and allowing the Spanish veteran just four total). ”I felt like I didn’t do much wrong. It was a great match for me,” Ivanovic said in her on-court interview. “Anabel and I practiced together all week, so it was nice we got a chance to play each other on the last day of the tournament.” This is the first time Ivanovic has won any WTA title two years running. “I’m super relaxed here, and that helps. I come here to compete, but I also spend lots of time on the beach and in the spa, and the people are so friendly – I’ve made many new friends. It’s just so enjoyable here. It feels great to play here. ”Thank you so much to the tournament for giving me a wildcard this year.” And on winning her first WTA title of the year – and the 11th of her career – on her birthday? “It’s the best way to celebrate my birthday, in front of so many people. Actually it’s the most people I’ve ever had at my birthday!”

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