Lawn Tennis
Serbians Ana Ivanovic, Novak Djokovic Win At Indian Wells
By Tripp Mateschitz, Lawn Tennis Correspondent, Posted: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:35am CST USA
Serbians Ana Ivanovic, Novak Djokovic Win At Indian Wells
 Finals, Pacific Life Open
Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic
INDIAN WELLS--(lawntennismag.com) Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic both of Serbia Sunday took home the women's and men's singles titles respectively at the Pacifc Life Open, the third largest tennis tournament played each year in the United States; trailing only tournaments in Miami, Florida and New York City, New York in size and prestige.

The 20 year old top seeded Ivanovic started the day of dual finals by defeating second seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia 6-4, 6-3.
Pacific Life Open, Indian Wells, California, USA
Indian Wells, California, USA
March 12-23, 2008


Kuznetsova had upset Australian Open champion Maria Sharapova of Russia in the semifinals, but was unable to stay with the overall aggression and consistency of Ivanovic.

"In the first few matches, I was more nervous," Ivanovic said. "But then I just started to focus and not even think about who I play against, just do what I have been doing in practice. I’ve been practising really well and working hard on my fitness."

American Mardy Fish, ranked 98th in the world before the Indian Wells tournament, also suffered a letdown Sunday after similarly winning an upset semfinal over a grand slam champion. Fish, in the men's semifinals, stunned Wimbledon champion Roger Federer of Switzerland in straight sets.

Yesterday Fish jumped 58 places from 98th to 40th in the just released ATP Tour rankings behind a strong week, but on Sunday he failed to convert several chances in the final to lose 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 to Djokovic.

After leveling the match at one set all, 0-40 on the Djokovic serve, Fish could only watch as Djokovic hit three aces and held serve. Djokovic then broke Fish following serveral groundstroke winners.

"It’s been a dream start to the year," the Australian Open champion Djokovic, said. "Before I started this year, I said my goals were to be consistent with results, reach the Masters and hopefully win a grand slam. I did that in a very, very small amount of time."

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