Share this
Aga and Ana. Two fan favourites meet today for a place in the last eight of Australian Open 2013.
Like former No.1 Caroline Wozniacki, Radwanska is one of the most consistent players on the women’s tour.
Despite turning pro almost two years after Ivanovic, Radwanska has already won and played more matches than Ivanovic, underlining the fourth seed’s consistency and durability.
To be fair to Ivanovic, she has had her fair share of injuries in the past few years that have restricted her playing schedule.
So far this year, both players have been in great form. Radwanska is yet to lose a match, while Ivanovic is 7-1 for 2013. Titles in Auckland and Sydney for Radwanska will have her believing she may be a chance to win her first major title here.
Add to that the fact Radwanska has won the pair’s past four meetings and should be feeling good about her chances against the 2008 finalist.
She has also made it to the quarterfinals the past two years, while Ivanovic’s best effort here since making the final was a trip to the fourth round last year.
Ivanovic will come into this match believing that she’s in the perfect position to pull off an upset. It’s well documented that the Serbian former No.1 has family in Melbourne and loves playing here.
She arrived in the country before Christmas, giving herself plenty of time to acclimatise. Her preparation in Perth was almost flawless, dropping just one match for the week as Serbia fell just short of Spain in the Hopman Cup final.
With a sunny day expected on Sunday, Ivanovic won’t mind the heat at all. While practising in Perth a heat wave checked in for a week as the West Australian capital sweltered.
These two have a history of playing relatively tight matches despite the different perspectives they bring to the tennis court. While Radwanska will do everything in her power to draw Ivanovic into long rallies, the Serb will look to use her forehand to keep points short.
For the winner a quarterfinal clash with sixth seed Li Na or 18th seed Julia Goerges awaits.