Ivanovic tops Indian Wells field

INDIAN WELLS, California (Ticker)—Ana Ivanovic, who has climbed to No. 2 in the world rankings, headlines the field for the $2.1 million Pacific Life Open, a Tier I hardcourt event which continues Thursday.

The 20-year-old Serbian enjoyed a breakout season last year, winning titles in Berlin, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, and has gotten off to a solid start in 2008 as well.

While she has yet to win a title this year, Ivanovic did reach the final of the Australian Open, where she lost to Russian Maria Sharapova, 7-5, 6-3.

Ivanovic, the top seed here, is joined by three of the world’s top-five ranked players, including countrywoman Jelena Jankovic, the No. 3 seed.

Among the top-five seeds are two Russians - No. 2 Svetlana Kuznetsova and No. 4 Sharapova - and No. 5 Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia, the defending champion.

None of the 32 seeded players, who have received first-round byes, are in action Thursday.


Hantuchova captured her second Pacific Life Open title last year, beating Kuznetsova in the final. She also won here in 2002.

The top American entered is No. 24 seed Lindsay Davenport, who is participating in one of her favorite tournaments, having won it twice.

A three-time Grand Slam winner, the 31-year-old Davenport is enjoying a renaissance after being off the tour from late September 2006 to mid September of last year.

She already has posted two titles this year while logging a 12-2 match record. One of those defeats came to Sharapova in the Australian Open.

Fellow American Serena Williams is not entered in the event after claiming her 29th career title and first of the year last week at Bangalore.

Also skipping the tournament is world No. 1 Justine Henin of Belgium, who lost in the quarterfinals two weeks ago at Dubai.

Completing the top seeds are No. 6 Marion Bartoli of France, No. 7 Nicole Vaidisova of the Czech Republic and No. 8 Dinara Safina of Russia. The top 32 seeds received byes into the second round.

A trio of players from the United States - Ashley Harkleroad, Angela Haynes and Jill Craybas - advanced during opening-round play Wednesday.

Among the six U.S. players in action Thursday are wild cards Madison Brengle and Ahsha Rolle, who will meet in the lone all-American match of the day.

First prize is $332,000.