Ivanonv aims to defy ranking
Teen ranked 815th in the world has wildcard into main draw filled with top-80 players
Kiwi tennis teenager Valentina Ivanov has been given an unlikely shot at glory — and is determined to make the most of it.
The 18-year-old was confirmed yesterday as the final wildcard into the ASB Classic women’s event, which starts on Monday.
It will be her first outing at a WTA-level event, and could set up a quintessential underdog clash, with Ivanov, at world No 815, one of the lowest-ranked wildcards in the tournament’s history.
Of course, it’s a decision based on her potential, but still a tough ask.
Ivanov spent most of last year playing college tennis in the United States, and has faced only one top300 player in her career.
At the ASB Classic, the majority of the field, which includes two former world No 1s and four grand slam champions, are hardened professionals ranked inside the top 80.
Surely that’s a daunting prospect?
“It is a little bit but it helps me that last year I was in this environment and I have hit with some great players,” said Ivanov. “I know hitting is different to match play but being able to keep up with them shows me that there is a fine line. I think I will be able to compete out there and I can’t wait.”
Ivanov, who collected a string of age group titles in New Zealand and Australia as a junior, admits she was stunned to get the news from tournament director Karl Budge.
“It’s a big shock — I did not expect it,” said Ivanov. “I was kind of lost for words. But I am so happy. I can’t wait to play and hope I can bring some great tennis.”
The 18-year-old said the key will be “not overthinking things”.
“I’ll try and prepare as well as I can, and do the best that I can do,” said Ivanov. “I won’t expect too much but hope to do the best I can.”
She also said the chance of playing Serena Williams would be a “dream come true”.
“Every single player my age has grown up watching her and she is one of the best female athletes in the world.”
Ivanov reached the second round of qualifying in Auckland last year before being eliminated by Dutchwoman Bibiane Schoofs, who won two more matches before falling to Eugenie Bouchard.
Ivanov played some Futures events after that, with mixed results, before enrolling at the University of Berkley in September.
She compiled a decent 12-4 record and also reached the quarterfinals of a US$25,000 ITF event in Arizona.
Erin Routliffe is the only New Zealander in qualifying, and has one of the toughest possible draws, facing former world No 5 and French Open finalist Sara Errani.
The veteran Italian has slipped to No 260 but will probably have too much guile and experience for Routliffe, who played only 15 singles matches last year.
Top seed Williams made her first appearance in Auckland after arriving from the United States with a large entourage at 6am yesterday.
She took to the court for a extended practice session only eight hours after getting off the plane.
Williams looked sharp — in her first hit-out of the year — and attracted a big crowd of onlookers on to the players’ balcony, as is standard with the 37-year-old recently named Athlete of the Decade by Associated Press.
It’s a big shock — I did not expect it. I was kind of lost for words. But I am so happy. I can’t wait to play and hope I can bring some great tennis. Valentina Ivanov on learning of her ASB Classic wildcard