US Open 2013: Ladies' 4th round preview

Victoria Azarenka (2) v Ana Ivanovic (13) (Head-to-head: Azarenka leads 4-2)

Ana Ivanovic (L), Victoria Azarenka

Q. What was the last match you won that you’d describe as a big win?Ivanovic: “Well it’s hard to remember. That’s a scary thought (smiling).”

The former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic has been pretty honest about her slump of form but in the run-up to the US Open, Ana has shown flashes of striking the ball with more ease and fluidity.

She reached the semi-finals at Carlsbad and the fourth round in Toronto and one of those losses interestingly came at the hands of the former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka was still showing effects of the injury sustained at Wimbledon.

Ivanovic brought out her competitive spirit to the fore, angling the forehands amazingly and to trouble the world no.2.

Victoria Azarenka, the Cincinnati champion, on the other hand didn’t put up an encouraging performance in her last match against Alize Cornet and if she continues in that vein, Ana will surely get truckloads of opportunities to display her thundering forehand. But it is Azarenka’s sheer willpower and insatiable hunger which will make the difference in the end.

Prediction: Azarenka wins in straight sets.