Ivanovic, Djokovic aim to give Serbia top spots

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic playfully poses with her trophy after her win over Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova in the women's final match at the Pacific Life Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California March 23, 2008. (Photo: China Daily/Agencies)

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BEIJING, March 26 -- Serbs Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic continued their surge towards the top of the world rankings after they both captured singles titles at the Pacific Life Open.

World No. 2 Ivanovic won the women's title on Sunday with a 6-4 6-3 win over Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Indian Wells final, her fifth success in six meetings with the Russian.

Although she is still well behind top ranked Justine Henin in the WTA standings, Ivanovic has already closed the gap with the Belgian by more than 800 points since the start of the season.

The bubbly 20-year-old believes her effervescent performances in the Californian desert could mark a turning point in her career.

"It's the first time I won a two-week tournament and I think it's because I've been able to control my emotions while keeping my physical fitness and form," she told Belgrade's B92 Web site (www.b92.net) after taking her first title in 2008.

"It's the biggest title of my career and it will give me a lot of confidence in the bid to win a grand slam event," said Ivanovic, who lost the Australian Open final to Maria Sharapova in January.

Djokovic, the men's world number three, claimed his eighth singles title with a 6-2 5-7 6-3 win over American Mardy Fish.

Having defeated 2007 champion Rafael Nadal in the last four, the win allowed Djokovic to gain ground on the Spanish world number two.

While the success provided an icing on the cake for Djokovic, who picked up his first grand slam crown at the Australian Open in January, it also boosted his confidence in what has become a sustained challenge for the top spot.

(Source: China Daily/Agencies)