Ivanovic gets back at Wimby conqueror

July 31, 2014

Page A15

STANFORD, California—Sabine Lisicki hit the fastest record serve on the WTA tour but it wasn’t enough against Ana Ivanovic in the first round of the Bank of the West Classic, while defending champion Dominika Cibulkova also lost on Tuesday.

The fifth-seeded Ivanovic won 7-6 (2), 6-1 against Lisicki, partially avenging her loss to the German in the previous meeting at Wimbledon.

Experienced duo Venus Williams and Daniela Hantuchova also won, while Cibulkova was beaten, 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, by Garbine Muguruza of Spain.

Lisicki blasted a serve of 131 mph (211 kph) at 5-5. It wasn’t an ace because Ivanovic got her racket on the ball but couldn’t return it. The serve eclipsed Williams’ record of 129 mph (208 kph) in 2007.

Ivanovic took full advantage of Lisicki’s weak second serve, winning 16 of 23 points, and though she had 10 break points against her, the Serb saved eight of them, while Lisicki was broken four times from just five opportunities.

“Sometimes just a few points make a difference and it helps to be positive in a tight situation,” Ivanovic said.

The Serbian next faces Canadian qualifier Carol Zhao.  AP