Ivanovic knocked out by rising star in Paris
Ana Ivanovic has struggled with injuries since topping the rankings last year
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Sunday, 31, May 2009 08:53
Defending champion Ana Ivanovic has crashed out in the French Open fourth round after losing 6-2 6-3 to teenager Victoria Azarenka.
Ivanovic's erratic form this year continued as she was humbled by the 19-year-old Belarussian, who will play Dinara Safina in the last eight.
Azarenka dominated the former world number one throughout and made the first break in game three after a scintillating crosscourt backhand.
Ivanovic squandered her chances to break back in the next game and was punished three games later when Azarenka broke again after a marathon rally. Azarenka, a former world junior number one, then served out the set.
Azarenka continued to pile the pressure on Ivanovic's serve and having saved a number of break points, the Croat was eventually broken.
The teenager raced into a 4-0 lead before Ivanovic showed some resistance by reducing her deficit to two games.
But Azarenko ended any hopes of a comeback by breaking Ivanovic again to seal victory and reach the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Elsewhere, Maria Sharapova booked her place in the quarter-finals with a 6-4 0-6 6-4 win over Li Na.