Ivanovic Thrashes Svitolina to Set Up Safarova Semis

Ana Ivanovic advanced into the last 4 of the French Open with straight sets win over Elina Svitolina.

She hit 37 winners and converted 4 out of five break points opportunities to close out a 6-3 6-4 win. The Serb is thus through to her first semi-final since 2008, when she went all the way to clinch her maiden Grand Slam title.

She also reached the last four at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2008 (defeated by Daniela Hantuchova in final) and 2007 (defeated by Venus Williams in semis) respectively.

Both players traded break of serves in a windy condition in games 2, 3 and 4 but Ivanovic dominated the groundstrokes and held for a 4-1 lead on her way taking a one set to love lead.

The former champion broke the world No. 21 twice more in a rampant second set to finish off the contest in 75 minutes.

Ana Ivanovic Pumps Her Fist During Her Fourth Round Clash With Elina Svitolina. Image: RG via Getty.
Ana Ivanovic Pumps Her Fist During Her Fourth Round Clash With Elina Svitolina. Image: RG via Getty.

Ivanovic will face Maria Sharapova conqueror, Lucie Safarova; the 13th seed who accounted for Spain’s Garbine Muguruza 7-6(7-3) 6-3.

The Czech leads seventh seed Ivanovic 5-3 in their career head-to-head, although both players have a win apiece from their two previous meetings at the Roland Garros.

Ivanovic won their maiden clash in the second round of her all-conquering campaign in 2008, while Safarova topped their round three clash last year.