Ivanovic advances in Madrid after opponent retires

MADRID - Serbia's highest ranked player on the WTA rankings, Ana Ivanovic, advanced to the second round of Madrid Open, after her first round opponent, Romanian Alexandra Dulgheru, retired from the match on Saturday.

Ivanovic was leading by 2-6, 7-6 (7-1), 4-0.

Although seen as the favorite, seventh seed Ivanovic had to work harder than expected and rally from a set down to notch up a win against Romanian wildcard, who is currently ranked as world no. 69.

Ivanovic next faces the winner of Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) - Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia).

Photo Tanjug, M. Jelesijevic (archive photo)