Ana Ivanovic cites broken toe as the reason for early exit at the Australian Open

Ana Ivanovic reacts in her first round match against Lucie Hradecka at the Australian Open

Dubai, Feb 11 (IANS)

Former World No.1 Ana Ivanovic cited a broken toe as one of the reasons for her first round exit from the Australian Open tennis tournament, saying it interfered with her preparation. The fifth seed lost in the first round, despite reaching the final of the warm-up tournament in Brisbane International two weeks before the first Grand Slam event of the year. No.1 seed Serena Williams won the women's singles title.

"With it (Australian Open) being such a big event, and because I was in good form coming into the tournament, I did have a bit more expectation. But unfortunately things didn't go so well in the week leading up to the tournament," she was quoted as saying by gulfnews.com.

"I broke my toe and wasn't able to practice as much as I'd planned. I felt quite stressed and these things combined meant that I wasn't able to play my best tennis. But my opponent, Lucie Hradecka, played a great match and she deserved to win," the 27-year-old admitted.

However, the 2008 French Open champion said she has learned her lessons. While recording some good victories and winning four smaller events last season, Ivanovic noted that she did not produce a decent performance at a Major.

"I haven't had very good results in the Grand Slams lately so I need to work on my approach. Maybe I should try something different, so I can relax more when I'm playing these big events."

Ivanovic next plays a Women's Tennis Association (WTA) event here starting February 15, which will feature eight of the top-10 players.

"For sure, I can't wait to get back on the court. The season is still very young and there is a lot to play for. I am looking forward, not back," the 2008 Australian Open finalist said.