Ivanovic beats Pironkova to reach US Open quarters

By Rachel Cohen

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Sept. 3 2012 10:50 a.m. MDT

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic reacts during her match against Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova in the fourth round of play at the 2012 US Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, in New York.

Kathy Willens, Associated Press

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Summary

More than four years after her French Open title, Ana Ivanovic is finally back in a Grand Slam quarterfinal.

NEW YORK — More than four years after her French Open title, Ana Ivanovic is finally back in a Grand Slam quarterfinal.

The 12th-seeded Serb beat Tsvetana Pironkova 6-0, 6-4 Monday in the fourth round of the U.S. Open. Ranked No. 1 in the world in 2008, Ivanovic has struggled with injuries and her confidence since.

After failing to serve out the match at 5-3 in the second set, Ivanovic broke the 55th-ranked Bulgarian at love in the next game to clinch the victory.

Pironkova, a 2010 Wimbledon semifinalist, went up a break twice in the second set only for Ivanovic to immediately break back. There were seven service breaks in 10 games in the set.

Ivanovic could next face Serena Williams, who plays 82nd-ranked Andrea Hlavackova later Monday.

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