SABINE LISICKI VS ANA IVANOVIC | 2014 WTA STANFORD ROUND 1

welcome back to Stadium Court here at the to family tennis stadium in Stanford University campus one of the famous most famous academic institutions in the world playing host once again to this uh WTA premere level stop first of the Emirates Airline US Open series and a potential cracker we've got in Prospect here Sabina liziki former semi finalist at this event back in 2011 up against Anor Ivanovic who's been so resurgent in 2014 three WTA singles titles to the serbs name already this year 39 match wins as well only twice in her career before as she hit 40 wins and she therefore has the opportunity here this afternoon to do just that hit 40 once again this is right at the top of the draw you can see Serena Williams there the two-time former Champion world number one will play Carolina pisher in the second round and uh we know who will play the winner of this one in round two Carol Z the Canadian qualifier 19 years of age who won earlier on against Yanina Whitmire of Belgium the Belgian unfortunately having to pull out with a viral illness at 621 love down Kad nuni in the chair for this our second of three feature contests here on the stadium called on Tuesday zi winning the toss and choosing to serve first conditions here are going to suit both these two meeting well the again second time in recent times and blessed as we always seem to be here in Stanford with excellent weather conditions the wind not really a factor temperatures always in the high 20s to 30° can get very warm as well actually I can remember some finals in recent years been played in the low 30s terms of the temperatures liziki former semi-finalist here back in 2011 24 years of age now ranked 29 in the world and 34 in the road to Singapore race to the year end WTA finals the top eight in uh the race we'll get the chance to take part in the most prestigious event on the WTA highlights of the year once again for liziki been wimbl in she didn't get to the finals this time around like she did in 2013 where she lost to Marian Bartley she did reach the quarters and she got a win over Ivanovic along the way in the third round didn't play this event last year liziki in the semi-finals 3 years ago conditions that are very much tailor made for her just like the grass where she managed to get the better of Ivanovic here quick hardcore conditions suit her explosive game this has been shown in the past vovi one of the stories of 2014 racking up the singles titles three this year 26 now of course we all know a former world number one former Grand Slam champion well documented troubles after that it's taken Fair old while to get back to some of her best form but you can see that ranking 11 in the world and she's going to have a great shot at getting finally back into the top 10 before the end of the year because she's eight in the road to Singapore in one of those eight slots at the moment and that's why finals at the premier event the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix the clay stop there losing to Maria Sharapova but three titles in 2014 right off the start of the year that victory in Oakland the first of those three titles so best result here only a second round in 2010 for Ivanovic Lost first round the following year to I Amy Marita L minut been a couple of times before but just like I was saying about liziki Ivanovic as well with the conditions here to suit her explosive First Strike game usually she's in a great head space despite the third round loss to Miki at Wimbledon you can see there terrific match so much good serving and big strikes from the pair of them the other match they played also this year was in the clay swing on her way to the final there Ivanovic recording in third round it's first round there for a moment round 32 it's only a 32 draw at St up it's beating iiki in the first round there 61 and 63 so one a piece both the meetings this year so both pertinent particularly though that grass meeting at Wimbledon because conditions there very quick as they are here but it is so much of it in terms of the way you look at the matchup it's going to be about who can get a high percentage of first service in Li he's got a bit more pop in that regard but ivanovic's first serve is a big weapon as well and therefore if you can get a high percentage of first serves in few Aces along the way gives both these two the chance to unleash their forehands these two just two of so many big names that we've got involved at the Bank of the West Classic this week this opening stop the Emirates Airline US Open series just lost domini cila short time ago the defending Champion also lost caros Suarez inaro today so the the seeds the bigger names biting the dust here that's a running themov hope not the fifth seed here in this draw already a couple of names out but we do have a lot of other big names still involved here because we have so many starting the week it's such a a stellar field that we have Champ at the end of the week going home with $120,000 and 470 WTA ranking points big points and prize money on offer it's the legacy of the the roadmap reforms of 2009 so much good work done by the WTA by the executives and as well by the uh previous chief executive Larry Scott continued of course by Stacy alist at the head of things uh work they've done really getting great reward on offer terrific events these Premier level stops all events on the WTA particularly these Premier level stops Big Time occasions now L gentl it's quite right that the players involved are playing for decent rewards both in terms of the ranking points and the prize money on offer $710,000 us the total prize pot fund for the week the sport the women's tennis Association the the global leader in women's Pro Sport just continuing to grow year on year and events like this one at the Bank of the West classic a big part of that long running stop so many stars of the WTA involved this week pause here before we begin both uh women just needing few moments to get ready ready [Applause] now third meeting in 2014 between these two stars of the WTA sa liziki a former semi-finalist here up against the fifth seed anre Ivanovic liziki to begin German won the toss G McRee still here with you in the commentary box family tennis Stadium almost had too much time there to think about it liziki set the point up well enough and say again what I mentioned in the warm up it in so many ways they're looking to win points similar ways these two I see a lot of First Strike tennis here 5 going to get lots and lots of extended rallies 305 4 to 15 43 ziki off to a solid start they do look these two to win points in very similar ways Ivanovic has added more to a game I think that that's fair to say and you look back you know in terms of her coaching changes previous coaches have all done good work go back to when Nigel Sears was working with her terms of improving her movement improving her backhand because uh she got to number one in the world and won the French Open with a ser and forehand but she's a more complete player now and it's reflected in the results 39 WTA match wins coming into this one just uh twice before in her career she's managed to hit 40 Ivanovic playing the first event them since uh Wimbledon earlier in the month there is an extended rally and liziki making a fast start here 15 touching theel [Applause] 403 very experienced man in the chair Kad unied Grand Slam finals in the recent past n one of the top umpires out there right now okay iov holding from love 30 one you do Wonder with um the head-to-head I personally I think it's it's overstated when people look at it meetings from Years Gone by how much you can really read into it but when you look at the fact they've met each other the first couple of times both this year both in recent months it is of relevance no doubt about that particularly The Wimbledon meeting wonder how much it plays on the mind having happened just a few weeks ago such a big match just a bit too well executed from liziki one of it's trying really hard to get there does look to change it up throw in a few Drop shots um German trying to add little bits of variety to what is essentially a simple game why wouldn't it be as well when you've got that serve in your locker in the forehand as well that she has two huge [Applause] weapons thir 15 service for six such a clean strike drop slightly short and the same can be said liziki will know that she kept a good length the problem was Ivanovic just dropped a touch shorter that's all it needs to be and the other will be in on it in a Flash that's pretty rapid no breaks yet the ziki 21 better come back for for [Applause] time going with serve early on here in this very attractive first round matchup two real talents of the WTA on show here fifth seed Evanovich to serve again here this time one two oh look in help good nor [Applause] 15 should be not to be out over overpowered and outgunned because that's exactly what happened in the end on the grass at Wimbledon ziki just had a bit too much game something she did very well she gets a bit fortunate there but again you can see going into the backhand of Ivanovic which is what opponents have always looked to do against the Serb principally because her forehand well it's long been one of the best in the game it's lethal they naturally go to the backand Ivanovic can struggle a bit more first break points of the contest for liziki 30 [Applause] news and the look across from Ivanovic to A Team D to the crowd thinking how unlucky was I there good serve into the body call coming out on the side of liziki Who as a result has a third break point [Applause] that's fabulous made it look so easy lii it's the little adjustment steps the footwork from liziki that proves to be the difference here hanging in the point and then getting the opportunity look at the little adjustments just to create the space break point number four benovic definitely the one coming under more pressure here in these early stages it is Ivanovic who drops serve first to a 3-1 lead the official website of women's professional tennis wtatennis.com information on players involved here as well as U the other stars of the WTA tournament information as well match highlights reports video really is the the One-Stop shop go to for information on the WTA [Applause] nor I mean what Ivanovic here will look to do for all I've been talking up liziki liziki is made the better start German though we all know can go through streaky patches in matches she's on a hot streak at the moment it's a matter of trying to hang with her it's difficult when she's playing well such a talent the German and event look to just try and get into a few more points something not doing consistently enough at the moment 14 15 [Music] wow that was quick 124 miles an hour from Sabina liziki to move 41 cleari four games to one for for time terrific start made to this first round match by Sabina liziki really getting the speed gun going in that previous game 124 mph for serve quicker than anything she even managed at Wimbledon benovic being a bit out gunned at the moment 15 no leted for service let [Applause] Service 13 no 40 left 15 second double for Evanovich but going well in this game benefiting from some Mis returns from liziki into the net for the German able to get service game again on board a reminder of uh if you want to know how you can watch WTA tennis anywhere in the world you can go to the WTA TV listing wtatennis.com wtatv developed by zero 15 love really good return got right on the top of the bounce there Ivanovic Top Hand very tall lady and that helps with the kicker getting on top of it redirecting really well there the Serb and again allowing Li looking to settle 15 this is more like it from the serbs perspective good aggressive returning maybe the quality returns in this game had a part to play in that first double fault of the match from liziki Mindful of the fact that Ivanovic has been connecting in this game couple of break back points here for the Serb a series slw of quality returns from Anor ianov the back on serve in this opening set liziki Four's [Applause] [Music] [Music] with a dealer service experience that's ranked highest by that's your kind of okay training strategy keep going you are doing well okay she has to do okay but when he's too much don't over fine don't P don't don't slow down try try to keep try to keep try to keep hurting try to keep hurting ser and second shot okay don't panic if first Serv going in okay keep moving try to defend but keep keep Court working with liziki this week so primarily coached principally by her father she's always been Dr Richard liziki but has worked uh with Martina Hingis this year so worked a bit with Robert orick who um coaches anak Quebec fulltime getting people involved to assist her father provide different insights benovic here with the new balls back on serve 34 first set in love you actually tried um speaking to the team and everything no speaking to Robert orick late last season they were trying to find out some sort of longer term Arrangement that he's continually in the background so father would still be involved but um some of these occasional guys who are are coming in they could be involved in a more long-term basis another name that uh Muki has worked with as well Ricardo Sanchez coach of Yen Yankovich Caroline wasaki they do appreciate the input but it can be difficult sometimes to combine schedules and work something out that's a problem that they found naturally Sabine always goes back to the the stability and Good Foundations of having a father overseeing a coaching 35 produce very good results of course she's a wi and Bo they are looking to add different input and that's why gon per is involved at the moment getting different points of view perspectives such a big part in terms of developing your game week to week month to month [Applause] 3040 he worked so hard to get the break his serve back Ivanovic in danger of slipping behind again [Applause] use on glorious return very good second serve from Ivanovic right on the service line biki making it look worse than it was second break point of the game for the German bovic responds in some [Applause] style got down nice and low there gave herself a very solid base to work from Advantage ianov any opponent is going to be in trouble when they start seeing Anor Ivanovic unleash the forehand to the liziki credit that the Serb had to hit a few there some good defense for nothing y Ivanovic saves two break points there in that game and completes the recovery four games over [Applause] hit that one out love of mentioned earlier about liziki going through hot streaks ovich is going through one at the moment it got out uh sa it got out challenge key CH call the left Center Line the ball was called in I was actually surprised she's challenging here it looked to be out see if the review can reprieve [Applause] her line skip through second Ace for liziki that's exactly why the technolog is there to overturn decisions like [Applause] that not getting at the lines Personnel at all because it can be tricky to to call lines when the Germans firing down Aces 120 milph plus didn't do enough with the volley iov punished excellent defense from Ivanovic an area that she really improved over the past 18 months let yes hold 40 30 some really good points in that game which liziki eventually comes through has a nose in front 54 five four ladies and gentlemen be sure to head to your nearest PF chains for a blend of high quality Asian inspired Cuisine and American Hospitality in a sophisticated contemporary beastro setting pearls Olive too are the snack that you've been waiting for portable mree and guilt free skip the chips and reach for a fun healthy Olive snack instead a tasty sa for the whole family t 35 minutes played in the opening set of this one three first rounds still to be played this is the first of them two more to follow in the evening session here in Stanford rovic also a breakdown in this set he come back but serving to stay in the set now against liziki St lii on the left CER line the gold in immediate challenge here from liziki stopping the play and as a result it's got to go her way always a bit risky doing this got to be absolutely [Applause] convinced that's what happens he stopped the play two CH wrong he lose the point that's up [Applause] 14o no problems there for Ivanovic serving to stay the set she levels up five games on high percentage of first serves good first strike tennis it's exactly what I suggested at the outset what they're both looking to do and it's just a question in many ways who's going to win this who is going to do it better w Lo in good move forward we've seen them both actually Keen to get forward which is encouraging both looking to attack and recognizing their games and these conditions reward that sort of approach very quick hardcore conditions here moving through the air quickly 5 15 touching second double f for liziki yeah got toss wrong there didn't she and it meant she couldn't come round the ball enough in the end gave herself too much to do H the double fault kind of did the same thing again there lost the rhythm of touch she got away with that liziki because Ivanovic yeah just put that wide that was a real chance 40 30 [Applause] 131 miles an hour that's official well we have something ziki 65 ianov has three challenges the first challenge was the both challenges has been made by the by Li [Music] [Music] uh Ivanovich has three challenges only B has two challenges both challenges has been made by the byes no ianov didn't lose a challenge when did she lose a challenge the center line before was lii was challenging because the line Empire called out very loud I mean not loud enough so she challenged and the ball was good butov didn't challenge anything yeah exactly exactly so that's why that's one still trying to seek whether that surf from liziki be officially recognized you can see it there 131 milph hour to close out the previous game and more importantly in terms of the match situation Force Ivanovic to serve to stay in the set again it's time at 56 in [Applause] 5 no 35 bit of speed bit of pop in response from Ivanovic he doesn't have as big a first serve but it is still a weapon [Applause] good some of the tennis here in this first set that we've seen really high quality the the ball striking from the pair of them in this 3/4 of an hour we've been in play so it's been a real pleasure to watch [Applause] 403 two aces in the game from Ivanovic In This Very watchable opening set between these two goes to the tie break both players are receiving one additional challenge first tie break that these two have played against each other neither of the previous meetings this year the five sets played of them went to a tie break let's service that move forward and you look to try and do something a little bit different especially when maybe you haven't got quite the pop the explosiveness on the run that your opponent does you look to do things try and win points in different ways occasionally have a bit of a surprise tactic and that's what Ivanovich did there to get the immediate mini break points can of course be won in so many different ways it's not all just about pure power [Applause] two Z Ivanovic 3 Z Ivanovic rapid first few points from Ivanovic to take charge of this tie break that's a bit wild from the German 4 Z Advantage could be the one that does for her in this set she was a break of serve up she broke for a 3-1 lead benovic breaking back later in the set be a bit of frustration in that first serve from liziki way this tie break's gone so far 41 Ivanovic ball two Ivanovic beautifully sunny afternoon here warm conditions ideally suited to these two in their games working up a sweat that really playing well out there both of them striking the ball beautifully we've seen some terrific winners in this first set now over 3/4s of an hour old Evanovich still in charge of this tiebreaker 52 Ivanovic holding on to one of the many breaks of serve just asking the question again of liziki that is super talk about playing the situation playing the moment 62 Ivanovic it's something she's done so well this year you don't win 39 WTA main draw matches by this point in the season if you're not doing something right played the better tie break here first of four set points yeah she finishes in fine style Ivanovic comes from a break down to take it on the tie break six she's a set to the good to this to this this side three games here bro seven G six thank you than you up [Applause] TI [Applause] really good effort from Anor Ivanovic to come back and take that opening set seven points to two on the tie break off Sabina liziki here German was a break up though she'll Ru her inability to hang on to the lead [Applause] 15 just got to put it to the back of the mine now 5 nor the right line the B SC [Applause] out got a smidge into the line that's all it needs to [Applause] do5 again that's why we have the review technology for moments like that 40 15 403 [Applause] de out isi coming back at Ivanovic here Ser look good in this game in front and again all set up by nice aggressive early return of serve make point for the German first game of this second set [Applause] like that one again a huge return which Ivanovic did really well to get back into play saying all that liziki will feel she should have made that one and she should be sitting changing ends with the break of serve in the back Advantage advantage [Applause] de [Applause] now Advantage ianov time to put the pressure on and taking the away there from Ivanovic both players having had chances in this game already advantage that's one that Ivanovic would like again because she had a lot of time there on the ball got set wasn't an issue that time with being rushed pulled it wide and it's given liziki another break points second of the game this time Ivanovic cracks and liziki breaks to begin the second set first game second set a little twist uh but let's reflect first of all back on the first set where Ivanovic was a breakdown there as well 3-1 down in the set and came back to force the tie break where she was uh more solid of the two what she did towards the back end of the set continued it in the tie break as well was a little bit more variety coming forward Al a few too many mistakes the winner on Force profile for liziki just turning against her at the back end of the set l in 15 nor [Applause] 15 30 guys seeing the funny side of this from here looks like challenge L challenging the call on the right Baseline the B go out well I mean it was not I don't think it was that I mean not one of the closer challenges that one I think if she known it was missing by that much Kad n agreeing with that and I think she would have challenged certainly wasn't too close break back points 1 14 [Applause] [Applause] breaks straight back in this second set reminder of the official Twitter profile of the WTA WT also do # WTA if you're on Twitter on the social media get involved in the conversations 50 l 30 [Music] love 14 no game for Ivanovic who has come from a breakdown in the second set as well now leads by set 21 the fifth seat here ladies and gentlemen get treated like the pros world renowned Dr Susan Lewis provides outstanding care for all of our athletes she can take care of you as well Dr Susan Lewis at the center for Sports Medicine Center for sports men.org thank you sir yeah it was it was [Applause] time been a break up in both sets so far sa liziki but she finds herself a set and 2-1 down the former semi finalist here from three years ago at 1 two second set [Applause] [Music] love 1 this is what can happen with liziki you can have these hot streaks and you can have periods of play where she doesn't find her best form it's because the game is so aggressive so high risk many key facets that it's always going to be tough for her she's such a maerial talent with that huge serve that we're still looking to get confirmed as a new women's 15 serve speed record that uh she served earlier in the contest 131 miles hour 1540 fastest recorded serve of all time time this is the official data since 1989 was Venus williams' effort at the 2007 US Open 129 milph but that liziki first serve earlier in the match is confirmed she'll have the record but doesn't really matter at the moment in the match score line here she's struggling now two more break points for Ivanovich ianov so has to do nothing to get the breakers third game in a row for Evanovich double F to the match from liziki putting her in some trouble wta's Facebook page definitely worth a like to get everything you need to know about women's professional tennis straight into your news feed [Applause] 15 low oh she's starting to dominate now where nanovic is skipping round in crushing forehand like that you really do fear for the opponent one of the most pleasing SES in women's professional tennis honor Ivanovic skipping around bouncing around and firing forehand away [Applause] 14 love four to 15 thir double for Evanovich liziki having already served three but the double from liziki the more costly one the third because it surrendered the break of serve in the previous game this one probably be as costly you never know has allowed lii back into the game even more so now he capable the German of just turning it back on she did [Applause] there that return of serve that has come into Vogue so much again in the last few years and you can understand why the one that's hard and deep back at the server up the middle if you follow your Cricket it's almost like you're being yolked by bowler you try and get your back underneath the ball [Applause] Advantage from 40 love down that double fall could be costly now because later on it's liziki with the break back point [Applause] use [Applause] advantage youan better length from liziki that time rovic trying to push it's tougher to do that when the opponent is keeping a better length at you even if it is to the Ivanovic forehand talk about crushing a return right onto the Baseline rovic doing extremely well to get the ball back in play all for nothing in the end bang right on the line Point number two of the game for liziki but again on break point she fails to make the second serve return time Advantage iov the reaction spoke volumes can't believe she missed it even more so I can't believe she missed it by that much that's first class creativity two break points saved and Ivanovich moves a couple of games away from the second [Applause] round one [Music] hey everybody be sure to stop by the Bui display is located at gate 8 and across from concessions to enter to win a 2015 of your choice as well as receive an official Bank of the West Classic ticket lanyard good luck to you time liziki may have hit a new world record speed serve we're still waiting a confirmation on that but despite all that she's still in trouble in this match hit 131 mph serve the back end of the first set it doesn't matter it's just one moment for liziki right now is Ivanovic is starting to Zone here I was really impressed the final point of the previous game the drop shot the change up thinking very clearly out there creatively there more evidence again of why she's been doing so much winning on the WTA this year that is Sensational love 30 that's a potential shot of the day candidate right there from Ivanovic who is starting to really shine in the Sun shine here in Stanford liziki disappointingly from her point of view on the other hand is uh somewhat going the other way in the face of this sustained Onslaught from the Serb opportunities three of them to move further clear the one required and be a brain Observer think that this might turn around now Ivanovic to serve for the match she's done extremely well because let's remember again she was a breakdown been a break break down in this set came back five games in a row was also breakdown in the first set five straight games serving for a place in round two there is a growing sense she's naturally a very aggressive player siki but there's a sense here of just frustration getting into a game starting to infect itself into the shot selections that's understandable because uh she's had a chances she's LED in both sets by the break the second has uh raced away from her since then thir left the call the left L the SC out [Applause] 40 blow a performance this has been ever since she was broken at the start of this second set vovi now with three match points resistance what seems to be the end here for liziki 4 second match point Ivanovic it is 40 WTA match wins in 2014 now for Anna Evanovich the resurgent Serb was a break down in both sets here against s liziki but she rebounds she takes the final six games to knock out the former semi-finalist and reach the second [Applause] round very good win that for Anna Evanovich racing away in the end is 40 match wins for the year she's uh only achieved that twice before in her career liziki will Ru those opportunities led by a break in both fail to hang on to it bows out the former semi-finalist and it's Ivanovic who gets revenge for the defeat to liziki in the third round of Wimbledon earlier this month and she just had a little bit more creativity in her game at few moments good let's hear from out yeah I it was a great and winners today and I started slow break down early but you know try to S POS and I am so happy turn it around and a [Music] talk about the fact that you're playing such incredible tennis again in your career what is the motivating factor that's brought you back up to the top of the game you know I wonder Grand you know this is something you know I wanted to hard for you time everyone out there want the same thing but you know my challenges I love competition so yeah I'm going to give it a try certainly show look at that smile amov [Applause] everybody renovich speaking to the on court MC Andrew krne there she is very much resurgent this was another good win over a dangerous opponent in liziki who as was saying had beaten Ivanovic at Wimbledon in the third round just a few weeks ago but the Serb rallying from a breakdown in both sets of that match coming out with 21 winners in the end and uh looking good building into the rest of the week uh she's into the second round now and she'll play uh the 19-year-old qualifier Carol Z of Canada world number 421 for a place in the quarterfinals there is the draw the top half is complete now the top section of the top half Sera Williams against Carolina pish were already set we knew that but Z getting her first WTA main draw Win earlier over Y witm and the Canadian the young Canadian will play Ivanovic the fifth seed in the second round before we leave you for the moment uh quick look at the road to Singapore Ivanovic I said at the outset is in one of those top eight positions to reach the WTA finals which will take place at the end of October and looking to build those points through this week at this big WTA Premier level stop bovic in a great place right now with the three titles and now 40 match wins and Counting for 2014 are now Ava back the West classic office right now so please stop by make sure you're here to watch Serena so it brings the day session here at Stanford University campus here on the stadium Court to an end the first two of our matches completed we have two first rounds still to play we will cover one of them for you uh this evening later on here not before 7 p.m. local time the two-time former Champion here at the Bank of the West classic Wild Card entry this year Venus Williams has also reached the final five times as well in addition to that she's up against the Polish qualifier paa Canya the world number 181 and as I say that one is uh scheduled to start not before uh 7 p.m. which is uh just over a couple of hours from now 2 hours and 5 10 minutes or so from now so we will be back with you here on Center call at the Toby family Tennis Center uh later on as I say just over a couple of hours from now with that match fenus Williams against paa Cana but for now for myself