Playing the feisty Putintseva for the first time in her career, Ivanovic came out strong, breaking early en route to a 3-0 lead in the first set.
The two went into a holding pattern until the set was over, and the No.5-seeded Ivanovic went on cruise control to run away with the second set in just 32 minutes.
After fighting off three break points in her first two service games, Ivanovic was never in trouble again on her serve - she won 25 of the 31 points she played in her six service games the rest of the match. "It was a very tough match - it's tough to play someone you've never played before, and obviously she had a few matches under her belt already,
" Ivanovic said. "But I really tried to work hard on each point, find my rhythm early and put pressure on her, and I think I did that well, so I was very pleased." Ivanovic has some very good memories at the BNP Paribas Open - not only was she the champion here in 2008 and a finalist in 2009, but she's reached the quarterfinals or better another three times.
"It's very, very special to be here again. It's such a big event, and to be among so many of the great champions and so many great names, it's just a pleasure to be back.
The atmosphere is great and the people and fans are very passionate about tennis, so they make us feel very warm and welcome. "I really hope I can play well and stay here for a while!"
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