He was hired by the former No. 1 on a trial basis back in February but just this past week, Ivanovic dropped from No. 8 to No. 13 in the WTA rankings and bowed out of the 2009 French Open in just the fourth round.

Honestly, I think that the game has progressed a bit since Kardon’s days with Navratilova and I don’t think his style necessarily meshes with that of a 21-year-old player like Ivanovic.  She was classy about it, at least.  She put the following message on her website: “I’d like to thank Craig for all his hard work.  He’s a great guy and I enjoyed working with him.”

The timing is a little unfortunate, though.  She will have to rely on the guidance of assistant coaches as she heads into Eastbourne and Wimbledon later this month.

image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Ana Ivanovic Parts Ways With Coach

Rafael has sent out a little warning to rivals Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic saying that he has played “almost perfect tennis” leading up to the French Open. Nadal is very confident that he can continue his flawless record at a grand-slam event.

"I am very happy about my clay-court season, very happy," the Mallorcan said.
"Winning in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Rome and reaching the final in Madrid makes it an almost perfect clay-court season.

"I am very happy with how I have been playing. And it’s always a pleasure playing at Roland Garros – coming back here gives me a special sensation."

Who do you think has a shot at defeating Nadal this year? Most sources are saying that Andy Murray looks to be the most capable. Murray is cautious, but upbeat about the 2009 French Open.

"It’s different here, there’s not as much expectation," he said. "But I feel if I play well, I’ve got a very good chance of doing well.

"On grass and hard (courts), I can come through matches when I’m not necessarily playing my best; on clay, I feel like I have to play tough tennis from the start and play some of my best to win all the matches.

"I have to go into the tournament switched on."

 

Here are some more photos of Rafael and Ana at the draw.

Source: Daily Mail

Image Credit: Bauer Griffin

Post from: EveryJoe

Ana and Rafa Draw Names

The #1-seeded player in the women’s Olympic tennis competition, Ana Ivanovic of Serbia (pictured above at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies), withdrew from the event on Sunday because of a lingering injury to her right hand that has kept her from practicing.

The 20-year-old Ivanovic won the 2008 French Open and finished second in the 2008 Australian Open.

She will be replaced in the Olympic competition by Tzipora Obziler of Israel.

Post from: EveryJoe

Ivanovic Withdraws from Olympic Tennis Competition