She came into 2007 as another youngster who had a lot of potential. She has successfully excelled through them and beyond. So how did Ana Ivanovic rally to the French Open final and Wimbledon semi-final?

Let’s take a look at her style of play. She employs a lot of power in her game which gives her immense pace on the ball. Without a doubt her fierce forehand is her biggest weapon, as she is more then capable of hitting winners with it anywhere around the court. She will consistently dance around her backhand to set up her signature shot, consisting of a massive thump from the forehand side.

Although her backhand can dazzle at times, it’s an obvious target for her opponents. Ana seems to rely on her backhand to bring consistency to her game, especially when the forehand is off. Her serve is good as she starts  off the point with a bang, but it’s not great. Improvements to it could prove pivotal to break even more barriers. The physical work comes down to her coaches; she has never looked more fit and fresh.

'She employs a lot of power to her game which gives her immense pace on the ball'

Take one enemy from 2007, Venus Williams. Ivanovic was defeated in straight sets by the American in Wimbledon and the US Open. Venus’s serve was overwhelming for the Serbian. The fact that Venus had more tactics, such as coming to the net, clearly showed against Ana, whose power also looked inferior. Although she wasn’t at her best in Flushing Meadows, she tried to force a winner by leaping into the shot, even against Venus’s serve. But the two defeats showed the clear difference and gap between Ivanovic and the likes of the Williams sisters.

Her mental strength is also impressive, the French Open final aside. Ana is at her best when match outcomes don't come down to nip and tuck. Her French Open wobble was a result of inexperience. She is young and still learning; the match will serve as valuable and vital experience at the highest level.