Ivanovic passes Hantuchova test
Thursday, 24 Jan 2008 09:42
Daniela Hantuchova gave up a set and a break lead to Ana Ivanovic
Fourth seed Ana Ivanovic has overcome Russia's Daniela Hantuchova to set up a mouth-watering Australian Open final against Maria Sharapova.
The ninth-seeded Hantuchova put up a stern fight against the talented young Serb but ultimately fell short in the deciding set, losing 0-6 6-3 6-4.
Hantuchova had led by a set and was a break up early in the second set before she lost her way and Ivanovic was able to mount an impressive comeback.
However, after the match all the talk seemed to be about a controversy regarding some perceived gamesmanship from Ivanovic.
Hantuchova accused her opponent of deliberately squeaking her trainers on the court as she was serving, which broke her concentration and ultimately condemned her to defeat.
But Ivanovic rejected the allegation, saying: "I just tried to move my feet to return the ball, so it really was not intentional.
"If you see other matches I was doing exactly the same thing. It's just the way these courts play. And if you listen to the guys I think they're doing the same thing.
"Once, I saw she was complaining but there was nothing I could do. Maybe she was just trying to pick on something, to get upset."
Ivanovic faces in-form number five seed Maria Sharapova, who toppled number one seed Justine Henin and third seed Jelena Jankovic in her quarter-final and semi-final respectively.