Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova to meet in dream finale

Published by admin | Filed under Tennis News

Ana Ivanovic will meet Maria Sharapova in what must be the most glamorous grand-slam final in history. The women, who are just as used to walking out on the catwalk as the tennis court, face each other in the Australian Open final on Saturday.

Even the harshest male critics of the women’s game could be tempted to tune in - making this event a sponsor’s dream.

Ivanovic produced a stirring comeback from a set down to overcome Daniela Hantuchova 0-6, 6-3, 6-4 while Sharapova beat injured Serbian third seed Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1 in their respective semi-finals.

“I had to calm down for today’s victory,” Ivanovic, said. “[Hantuchova’s] a tough player. I had to go for my shots early in the rally and it was frustrating because I couldn’t make any.”

The Serbian expects an equally tough test in the final, adding: “Maria’s had a great tournament and beaten Justine [Henin] so it’s going to be very tough.”

Sharapova, a losing finalist last year, has been totally dominant throughout the tournament and had no problems dispatching Jankovic.

“I’m really happy I got through and I’m back in the final,” said the Russian 20-year-old. “I had the experience going into last year’s final and it didn’t turn out too good.

“I’m just glad that I’ve been able to play such good tennis and I hope I can continue that for another match.”