Ana Ivanovic, Petra Kvitova Advance On Day 4 Of 2013 US Open

Ana Ivanovic (click to enlarge)

One of the potential fourth round matches I’d like to see at the 2013 US Open is Victoria Azarenka vs Ana Ivanovic. I’m pretty sure Vika will get to the fourth round. Ana has the potential, but can be inconsistent at times. The 2008 Roland Garros champion took another step towards a Vika showdown with a solid 2 and 1 victory over Alexandra Dulgheru. Ana also had some words of support for Sara Errani, who left the US Open in tears after being upset by countrywoman Flavia Pennetta. Errani spoke of the pressure she felt as the fourth seed. Ana, a former #1 player in the world, could relate to what Sara was feeling.

“When you’re number one, everyone is trying to beat you and everyone is playing their best tennis against you. It’s like you have bull’s eye on your back. There is obviously pressure from your own country, from the media, and everything else that you put on yourself. And sometimes when you don’t match that, if you’re perfectionist, it can actually hurt you. This is what happens sometimes. This was probably the hardest lesson that I learned.” – Ana Ivanovic

Petra Kvitova (click to enlarge)

Another player who has dealt with high expectation is Petra Kvitova. Since her 2011 WTA Player of the Year campaign, Petra has searched for consistent play. She especially struggles in America and the US Open, citing everything from allergies to her aversion to the huge crowds at the National Tennis Center. Petra took out Bojana Jovanovski 2 and 4. If Kvitova can hold her game together, she could potentially face Vika in the quarters. That would be a big opportunity for Petra to turn things around. She has the tools to win in New York. I’m just not sure if she really believes that at this point.