Jankovic overpowers compatriot Ivanovic
Jankovic recorded only her second victory against Ivanovic in eight meetings
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Tuesday, 04, Nov 2008 09:46
Serbia's Jelena Jankovic has beaten compatriot Ana Ivanovic 6-3 6-4 in their opening White Group match of the WTA Championship in Doha.
Despite difficult condition, world number one Jankovic made light work of fourth place Ivanovic, winning the first set inside 40 minutes.
Ivanovic – who had won her previous six encounters against Jankovic – made slightly more of a contest of it in the second set, fighting back from a break down to level at 3-3, but Jankovic then stormed to a 6-4 victory.
Two players from each group will advance to the semi-finals of the season-ending tournament, and Ivanovic now facing an uphill task to reach the latter stages.
"It was a pretty strong performance," Jankovic said following her victory.
"It was very windy and not easy to play but I was strong today and very focused.
"Since the last time we played, at the French Open, I have improved so much. My game has gone to another level."
Elsewhere, Venus Williams overturned a 5-2 deficit in the first set to power to a 7-5 6-3 win over Russia's Dinara Safnia.
Earlier, Vera Zvonareva beat Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-2 6-3 in the White Group.