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Ivanovic survives early scare at Flushing Meadows

26/08/2008

Top seed Ana Ivanovic survived a scare before overcoming Russia's Vera Dushevina in the first round of the US Open.

Ivanovic eventually triumphed 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 against the unseeded Russian.

The French Open champion looked to be on-course for a routine victory when she moved into a 4-2 lead in the second set, after winning a lightening quick first set 6-1.

The 20-year-old Serb, who has only just returned to action after missing the Olympics through injury, completely lost her way, however, and lost the set 4-6.

She bounced back to win the final set 6-4 in a contest which lasted just over two hours.

"Just to be here and be able to compete is a great achievement," insisted Ivanovic who had played only twice since Wimbledon in June because of cysts in her right hand.

"I could feel in some shots a lack of practice, and even shot selection.

"But my experience and calm helped me, and something I'll have to rely on because I haven't had as good a preparation as I hoped for."

Ivanavic could potentionally lose her standing as world number one should she make an early exit from Flushing Meadows, and one of Jelena Jankovic, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Serena Williams, Elena Dementieva or Dinara Safina reach the final.