Serena Set to Face Ivanovic in Stanford Quarterfinals

Former world number one Ana Ivanovic rolled past Canadian qualifier Carol Zhao 6-1, 6-1 on Thursday night to move into the quarterfinals at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, C.A., and set up a clash with current world number one Serena Williams.

“It’s a good sign. It means we’re getting further into the tournaments to play each other,” said Ivanovic referring to Friday’s matchup with Serena. “It’s going to be a tough challenge, but at the same time it’s a good test, because when you’re starting out with a new coach it’s good for them to see where you’re at and what you have to work on.”

Ivanovic faced no trouble in her second-round match with Zhao as she wrapped the match up in less than an hour. She ripped three aces against the sophomore from Stanford who was playing in only her second career event on the WTA tour. The Serb also notched points on 75 percent of her first-serves.

The match between Serena and Ivanovic will be the third already between the two this year. Ivanovic got the better of Serena in the Australian Open back in January, and Serena evened things up by beating the Serb in Rome.

Serena’s sister also pushed her way into the quarterfinals on Thursday as Venus defeated fourth-seeded Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 7-6(1). In a matchup between former world number ones, Williams won the first five points of the second-set tiebreaker after Azarenka saved three match points just to force the tiebreaker.

“It’s always great to get a win against a player like Victoria, who is a champion,” said Venus. “We played a high level, and it got better as the match went on.”

The Williams sisters are from Southern California and the older Venus has enjoyed a lot of success on the Stanford courts. This is her 10th quarterfinal appearance at this tournament and she has been crowned champion twice.

Azarenka was celebrating her 25th birthday, and despite coming up short, said she was happy to be able to spend her birthday on the tennis court.

“Losing is never satisfying,” said Azarenka. “But I left the best part of my day on the court. I was able to do something I love on my birthday.”

Williams is now 4-0 against Azarenka in their careers, and will move on to face eight-seeded German Andrea Petkovic.