Post by radovic on Jan 31, 2008 10:40:54 GMT -5
We’re the best - Ivanovic
Serbia women’s tennis team take on Poland at Fed Cup
Author: S. Vrakela | 31.01.2008 - 06:00
Top Serbian tennis players on the women’s tour kick off their Fed Cup campaign on Thursday with a tie against Poland, who suffered defeat to team Romania on the opening day. Serbia will battle for a place in the World Group in the round robin tournament in Budapest, Hungary.
Fed Cup national team coach Dejan Vranes says the atmosphere in the team is terrific and he is positive Serbia will live up to everyone’s expectations as hot favourites in the tie with Poland.
- “The atmosphere is relaxed and we’re trying to keep it that way. I’ve never had problems with either of our tennis stars as they’re both brilliant personalities. Having Ivanovic and Jankovic on our team makes us firm favourites here at the Fed Cup in Budapest and we should be able to win all our matches, starting with the one against Poland. Our opponents are surely disappointed to see us bring both of our female big guns,” Vranes suggests.
The toughest opposition to Serbia team in Budapest are unlikely to be players on the other side of the net, but fatigue which must have caught up with both Ivanovic and Jankovic who have had a tough schedule and long tournaments in 2008 so far. Nonetheless they are ready as ever to give everything they have to take Serbia to the elite World Group stage of the competition.
- “I truly believe we’re going to win all our matches in the singles competition and thus make things a lot easier in the remainder of ties. If a situation does present itself Ana and myself will go out there and play doubles as well. I think opponents will not be able to meet her forehand and my backhand,” Jankovic is confident.
A rare occasion at the Fed Cup is one Serbia team have created as WTA players number two and four will play at the tournament as part of their national team. The fact Serbia have both recent Australian Open runner-up Ana Ivanovic (2) and Jelena Jankovic (4) at their disposal qualifies them for clear number one favourites of the tournament.
- “We’re obviously favourites of the Europe/Africa Zone of Fed Cup. However, I’m sure both Jelena and myself have plenty of experience to be able to carry the burden. Our opponents are bound to be more relaxed as they have nothing to lose, and that fact can sometimes be really dangerous and tricky to cope with. So we’ll need to open our eyes and be cautious,” Ivanovic warned.
Urszula Radwanska first up
Ana Ivanovic plays world’s player 215 Urszula Radwanska in the opening match of the tie, while Jenkovic takes on Agnieszka Radwanska, player number 21 in the WTA rankings.
Ivanovic eyes Beijing medal
World’s number two Ana Ivanovic has expressed her desire to appear at the Beijing Olympic Games this year and return with a medal around her neck.
- “Naturally I’d love to win a medal at the Olympics. The Games will certainly come as a unique experience, as there will be opportunity to meet other athletes and see how they prepare for their own competitions,” says Ana.
Serbia women’s tennis team take on Poland at Fed Cup
Author: S. Vrakela | 31.01.2008 - 06:00
Top Serbian tennis players on the women’s tour kick off their Fed Cup campaign on Thursday with a tie against Poland, who suffered defeat to team Romania on the opening day. Serbia will battle for a place in the World Group in the round robin tournament in Budapest, Hungary.
Fed Cup national team coach Dejan Vranes says the atmosphere in the team is terrific and he is positive Serbia will live up to everyone’s expectations as hot favourites in the tie with Poland.
- “The atmosphere is relaxed and we’re trying to keep it that way. I’ve never had problems with either of our tennis stars as they’re both brilliant personalities. Having Ivanovic and Jankovic on our team makes us firm favourites here at the Fed Cup in Budapest and we should be able to win all our matches, starting with the one against Poland. Our opponents are surely disappointed to see us bring both of our female big guns,” Vranes suggests.
The toughest opposition to Serbia team in Budapest are unlikely to be players on the other side of the net, but fatigue which must have caught up with both Ivanovic and Jankovic who have had a tough schedule and long tournaments in 2008 so far. Nonetheless they are ready as ever to give everything they have to take Serbia to the elite World Group stage of the competition.
- “I truly believe we’re going to win all our matches in the singles competition and thus make things a lot easier in the remainder of ties. If a situation does present itself Ana and myself will go out there and play doubles as well. I think opponents will not be able to meet her forehand and my backhand,” Jankovic is confident.
A rare occasion at the Fed Cup is one Serbia team have created as WTA players number two and four will play at the tournament as part of their national team. The fact Serbia have both recent Australian Open runner-up Ana Ivanovic (2) and Jelena Jankovic (4) at their disposal qualifies them for clear number one favourites of the tournament.
- “We’re obviously favourites of the Europe/Africa Zone of Fed Cup. However, I’m sure both Jelena and myself have plenty of experience to be able to carry the burden. Our opponents are bound to be more relaxed as they have nothing to lose, and that fact can sometimes be really dangerous and tricky to cope with. So we’ll need to open our eyes and be cautious,” Ivanovic warned.
Urszula Radwanska first up
Ana Ivanovic plays world’s player 215 Urszula Radwanska in the opening match of the tie, while Jenkovic takes on Agnieszka Radwanska, player number 21 in the WTA rankings.
Ivanovic eyes Beijing medal
World’s number two Ana Ivanovic has expressed her desire to appear at the Beijing Olympic Games this year and return with a medal around her neck.
- “Naturally I’d love to win a medal at the Olympics. The Games will certainly come as a unique experience, as there will be opportunity to meet other athletes and see how they prepare for their own competitions,” says Ana.