Injuries have also played their part, and not just an initially misdiagnosed broken toe. In October, the former world No.1 stood on the verge of the China Open final, only to struggle with a back injury against Timea Bacsinszky in a 5-7 6-4 6-1 defeat.
"It was a little bit bothering me," Ivanovic said. "But it's been like this for a few days already. It's something I have to really work on in the off-season."
Her response was redoubled efforts to strengthen her back in December at her new training base in the UK, home to both coach Nigel Sears and boyfriend Bastian Schweinsteiger of Manchester United. As one of the taller players on tour at 6', the 28-year-old has also worked at staying lower to the court to protect her hips and spine, primarily with an eye-watering regime of lunges.
So what should we expect from Ivanovic in 2016? It is seven years since the world No.22 last topped the WTA rankings, but a return to the top 10 is not a priority for her – trophies matter more, and even in an Olympic year, Grand Slams matter most.
"I have won one and also been World No.1, but at the end of the day, people remember you for the titles you won, not so much your ranking," Ivanovic said in December. "Any Grand Slam would be great, but I would like to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon."
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario