By Erik Gudris | Thursday, October 16, 2014
After several years of uncertainty and second guessing, Ana Ivanovic turned 2014 into her best season ever.
When Ivanovic claimed her first title right away back in January at Auckland, it definitely felt like the former No. 1 was perhaps ready to make a move up the rankings. She proved that was true after earning her first win ever over Serena Williams at the Australian Open later that month. With a winning mixture of confidence, yet, looking more at ease on court, Ivanovic continued her steady climb closer to the top 10. Ivanovic backed up her title run in Monterrey by reaching the Stuttgart finals to kick off the clay court season. During the grass court swing, Ivanovic won her first ever title on the surface at Birmingham. In the North American hard court stretch, Ivanovic reached the Cincinnati final and found herself back in the top 10.
Later in the season, she picked up her fourth title of the year in Tokyo. Her win over Caroline Wozniacki in the final gave Ivanovic her 52nd match win of the year - her most ever in one season.
Despite only reaching one Grand Slam quarterfinal in Melbourne, Ivanovic remained a consistent threat all season long. Consistency certainly paid off for Ivanovic who now enters the WTA Finals for the first time since 2008. If Ivanovic can keep up that successful mix of being consistent at the right moment with her natural power, she just might finish off her most successful season on a high note. Just as she started it.
Season Highlights: 56 Wins, 16 Losses
Winner - Auckland, Monterrey, Birmingham, Tokyo
Finalist - Cincinnati, Stuttgart
Best Result at Year-End Championships - Round Robin 2008
(Photo Credit: AP)