Ivanovic says getting back tougher
Date published :
27 May 2012 - 17:46:51
Former world number one Ana Ivanovic said Sunday that getting back to the top ranking of women's tennis is tougher than the first time around but she's enjoying competition again after a period of self-doubt.
"I think it's harder getting back than actually getting there in the first place," the Serbian number 14 said after getting through to the second round of the French Open with an easy 6-1, 6-1 win over Spain's number 135 Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino.
Ivanovic won the French Open title in 2008, when she reached world number one and held on to the ranking for 12 weeks, only to be eliminated at Roland Garros in the next three years, including a first-round loss in 2011.
"I had to work really hard," she said of her rebound from a low of number 65 in July 2010, adding that she received even more support when she was "feeling down" and doubted herself.
Ivanovic returned to the top 20 at the end of 2010 and is now making her eighth consecutive appearance at the French Open.
"I feel like myself again, you know, and I'm enjoying competition. I'm just enjoying to be out there and to challenge top players and to be challenged as well. I think that's what it's all about".
Ivanovic will face Israel's Shahar Peer for a place in the last 32.
