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It all ends in tears for Ana Ivanovic

James Olley
29 Jun 2009


Tearful Ana Ivanovic was forced to retire from her fourth-round match after trailing 1-6, 1-0 against defending champion Venus Williams on Court 1 today.

The Serbian pulled up with a left thigh problem aggravated while serving at the beginning of the second set and immediately called for the trainer with the score at deuce.

After lengthy treatment, which included substantial taping on her left leg, the 21-year-old battled on to win the next two points, only to burst out crying before shaking her head at umpire Carlos Ramos to signal she was unable to continue.

"I didn't feel anything up until that point," said the No13 seed, who appeared close to tears again in her post match press conference.

"Over past few days I felt muscle tightness but that was normal after playing so much on the grass.

"After my first serve when I landed I just felt a sharp pain on my inner thigh and I couldn't step on my leg after that.

"That's the most disappointing thing because I didn't think I was given a fair chance to fight.

"I was playing better each match. I just thought it was great challenge for me today to play against someone like Venus.

"I think I achieved a lot in the first week and I had some great matches and played some great tennis. I have to take some positives. I felt like I was doing the right things and just have to keep doing that."

"I had some chances in the first game of the first set and I still thought it was pretty close.

"But she played really well. Maybe the second set wouldn't be much different but still I felt like I should have at least had a chance to try."

The match had been one-sided affair as Williams raced through the first set in 37 minutes.

Ivanovic threatened to upset the odds as she forced three break points in the opening game but was unable to convert.

Thereafter, Williams dominated, breaking twice before Ivanovic finally got on the board at 5-1. The 29-year-old closed out the first set and could only watch as Ivanovic lost her fitness battle.

The No3 seed, who will play Agnieszka Radwanska, of Poland, who beat American qualifier Melanie Oudin 6-4, 7-5, has injury problems of her own with her left leg heavily strapped once more.

She said: "I'm doing everything I can for my knee and this is Wimbledon, so it doesn't matter how much pain I'm in, I'm going to keep playing.

"That's the life of a tennis player or any athlete. Tape and ice and all.

"I'm one of those players, I just only pay attention to what's going on on my side of the net. But today I felt really sad for her because this is the last place you want to have an injury."

Elsewhere, No8 seed Victoria Azarenka beat No10 seed Nadia Petrova 7-6, 2-6, 6-3 as the Russian suffered heatstroke and will next play Serena Williams.

The Amercan was impressive, defeating Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-1 on Court 2, while Elena Dementieva, the No4 seed, also from Russia, eased past Elena Vesnina 6-1, 6-3.

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