Ivanovic dumped by Dulko, expresses disappointment in post-match therapy

It seems these days post-match pressers involving Ana Ivanovic have become more sports therapy sessions than anything else - which she could probably use at this point.

After another early loss at a major this time succumbing to Gisela Dulko 6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of the Oz Open, the Serb was asked how she's been feeling about all of these setbacks. Like, A LOT.

Q. Seems like it's been the same story: you fight, try to improve, and you get in these matches and you're falling a little bit short.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I mean, it's a process. You know, it's hard. It hurts, I must say. For sure it will. But it's a process. I think I just have to be patient. It will take some time.

I do feel better on the court. I'm playing much better. I feel like my old self. There are still some areas that are not there for me to rely on when ‑‑ moments I need them the most. Some matches it's there, some not. I just have to sort of keep my head up and try to improve, work.

There are things I'm working on. Serve is a big part of that progress. I feel it's been going well at times, but it's just not consistent like I would like it to be. It just might just take some time, and I have to accept that, although it's hard.

Q. In some of the key moments, it seems like you're lacking confidence.

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I was actually talking with my coach just before. What happens is that, you know, I start well and I play good, and then, you know, because I have no expectation, I just go out there to enjoy.

Then I think I can play like this all the time. Then I get tense and I start making mistakes because I want to play like that. Then I just want to go back to playing normal.

I just have to get rid of that a little bit and just try to play, yeah, consistent all the time. It might not be at the highest level, but just build on it.

Q. When you took three months off at the end of last year, how did you spend that time?

ANA IVANOVIC: Well, I had five weeks off. I don't remember the last time that happened. So it was really nice just to get my mind off, you know, everything. Because it's been quite intense, you know, period for me, and I didn't have much time off in between.

So to have that time off the court was really good. Spending also some time with the family and friends back in Belgrade, which was really nice. Then I start working on my fitness beginning of November already.

Then towards the end of November, I started to do tennis, as well; I did a block with Sven.

Q. What do you do this year to give yourself a break when you're away from tennis? How do you unwind and relax? Is there something different in your routine this year?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, you know, I still have to find things that's gonna make me relax. I really like reading and watching movies.

Sometimes I spend too much time in the room; it's not good either. Just find something, go for a walk just to keep your mind off of tennis, you know, surround yourself with positive people.

Q. Is it still fun, or are there days when it's stressful and you feel like you're suffering?

ANA IVANOVIC: Yeah, I mean, I do. Yeah, that consumes a lot of energy, too. That's something ‑‑ you know, I think I'm very happy and I feel I have the right things in place and I'm playing, like I said, striking the ball really well.

That's why it's disappointing when I get on a court and I put so much pressure on myself that it's not enjoyable anymore, it's overwhelming. That's why I think it's important, yeah, to get away from it a little bit and just enjoy.

Well I guess these are the kind of media sessions you're going to get when your game has completely deserted you and you don't have any answers to give.

For what it's worth, I'm feeling better about myself already.

[Photo(s): Getty]