Ana Ivanovic Wins It All!

So Ana did it and took home the top prize at the East West Bank Classic at the Home Depot Center in Carson. Ana, who looked respledid in purple all week, knocked out Serbian countrywoman Jelena Jankovic in the semifinals on Saturday and then worked over Russian Nadia Petrova, 7-5, 6-4. So in honor of Ana's big victory, we thought there's no better time than to do an Ana photo gallery. Hopefully, this is a preview of good things to come at the U.S. Open. Hey, last year, Maria Sharapova won at Carson and that led to her winning in New York soon after. We will be following Ana's progress.

LOS ANGELES, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Ana Ivanovic confirmed her status as one of the U.S. Open favourites with victory over Nadia Petrova in the Los Angeles Classic final on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Serb has really found her form in the past three months, winning Berlin in May, and reaching the French Open final and Wimbledon semis before arriving in Los Angeles.
The tall, broad-shouldered brunette has taken down several top-10 players in the process, including Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Jelena Jankovic and Petrova, whom she overwhelmed 7-5 6-4 in the Los Angeles final.

"I've beaten most of the top players and that's given my me a lot of confidence," Ivanovic told reporters. "In women's tennis, anyone can beat anyone. When I play players better ranked better than me, I feel I can beat them. I want to enjoy this because this is the best time of my career. I'm really happy to be at the place where I am now.

Part of the reason for Ivanovic's rise is the work she has put in off the court with her trainer Scott Burns.

The Serb's increased fitness and agility have enabled her to control matches with her huge forehand.

"Her fitness coach did a good job with her, she's lost some weight and is dangerous and even out of difficult positions she's coming up with big shots," Petrova said.

Petrova said Ivanovic would be at least a top-five contender at the U.S. Open starting in two weeks.

Ivanovic has beaten Maria Sharapova twice but has yet to overcome world number one Justin Henin, Wimbledon champion Venus Williams or Australian Open champion Serena Williams.

"I feel pretty confident in my game and would like to challenge them and play them again because definitely I would have a good chance," Ivanovic said.

Ivanovic will reach a career high number four when the world rankings are released on Monday.

Here's more Ana: