Ana settles on new coach, hires Craig Kardon

(Billie Jean King + Craig Kardon)

Ana Ivanovic has finally settled on a full-time coach.

The Roland Garros champ, who was rumored to be looking towards Dave Rineberg, has chosen American Craig Kardon. Kardon is a former pro who previously worked with Martina Navratilova (during her run to a record 9th Wimbledon title), Lindsay Davenport, Mary Pierce, Jennifer Capriati, Alexandra Stevenson, and Xavier Malisse. He also runs his own online coaching center.

Ana made the announcement via her website saying,

I’m happy to begin working with Craig. We’re going to see how it goes in the beginning and then I’ll make a decision about the longer-term future.

I feel like I made good progress during the Fed Cup tie and I’m not so far away from finding my old form. Craig has a lot of experience, he encourages attacking tennis and I am hopeful we will achieve some good results together.

Congrats to Kardon for the new gig and to Ana for making the decision to find a full-time coach with solid credentials. Let's hope he can get the Serb into top form before she has to defend her French Open title in about two months time.

(image via craigkardon.com)