Live Tennis Staff - 3 Sep 2011
Ana Ivanovic will face the challenge of Sloane Stephens tonight in the third round of the U.S Open
Ana Ivanovic had been scheduled for a tough second round clash against Petra Cetkovska in the second round of this year’s U.S Open, but was handed a walkover victory before play could begin. The former world No. 1 will now continue her campaign in New York with a third round contest against young American Sloane Stephens.As the sixteenth seed, Ivanovic has a good opportunity to work her way into the second week of this competition, and she may well be on course for her third career fourth round appearance here. She’s never gotten beyond round four though, despite having the ability to be a serious challenger in hard court slams.
Ivanovic can expect Stephens to give it her all tonight, and it doesn’t look like the Serb will necessarily enjoy an easy match against the world No. 106. Stephens has relished playing in front of a home crowd here, and she should be in an optimistic mood following her 6-1, 7-6(4) win against No. 23 seed Shahar Peer. If the American is at her best, this could be a fascinating clash.