Ivanovic Sidesteps Hradecka's Upset Try

WIMBLEDON, England (June 23) -- Twice, Ana Ivanovic found herself one point from a surprising and disappointing first-round Wimbledon loss on Tuesday. But the former world No. 1 somehow found a way to survive, rallying past Lucie Hradecka 5-7, 6-2, 8-6.

Despite a slow start, Ivanovic had a chance to serve for the match up 5-4 in the third set, but flubbed away that opportunity. Two games later, she found herself facing match point on a pair of occasions before scrambling back to knot the set at 6-6.

Ivanovic then broke Hradecka -- screaming and jumping in elation after a Hradecka miscue left her with three break points -- and finally, on her second try, served out the victory.

Ivanovic, the tournament's No. 13 seed, will meet Sara Errani in Wimbledon's second round -- two more wins would send Ivanovic into a likely showdown with No. 3 seed Venus Williams.

- Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Ana Ivanovic Snapshots

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 23: Ana Ivanovic of Serbia reacts during the women's singles first round match against Lucie Hradecka of Czech Republic on Day Two of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on June 23, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ana Ivanovic

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Ana Ivanovic of Serbia returns to Lucie Hradecka of Czech Republic, during their first round women's singles match at Wimbledon, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia reacts during her women's singles, first round match against Lucie Hradecka of Czech Republic, at Wimbledon, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Ana Ivanovic of Serbia serves to Lucie Hradecka of Czech Republic during their first round womn's singles match at Wimbledon, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Lucie Hradecka of Czech Republic recovers from a fall, during her women's singles, first round match against Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, at Wimbledon, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Lucie Hradecka of Czech Republic reaches for a shot from Ana Ivanovic of Serbia, during their first round singles match at Wimbledon, Tuesday, June 23, 2009. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic practices during a training session at Wimbledon in London June 21, 2009. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN SPORT TENNIS)

Reuters

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic waits during a training session at Wimbledon in London June 21, 2009. REUTERS/Toby Melville (BRITAIN SPORT TENNIS)

Reuters