Former World No.1 Ana Ivanovic takes on a real tough opponent, Petra Cetkovska of Czech Republic for a place in the third round of the 2011 US Open, season's last Grand Slam event being played here at Flushing Meadows in New York, USA.

After making a bad start to the American hardcourt season, Serbian star Ana Ivanovic finally turned the tide in her favour when she reached the semifinals in San Diego last month before losing to eventual finalist Vera Zvonareva in a tight three setter. Ivanovic, who last won a title in Bali in November 2010, is hoping to return to the winner's circle after two early exits from French Open and Wimbledon.The Serbian has 10 singles titles to her name including a Grand Slam at Roland Garros which she won in 2008. Ivanovic also managed to win a couple of matches in Toronto before going down to Roberta Vinci in straight sets.

Ivanovic's opponent is the Czech wonder woman, no, we aren't talking about Petra Kvitova, it's the other Czech Petra Cetkovska, who surprised big names like Agnieszka Radwanska and Ivanovic herself to reach the pre-quarterfinals at Wimbledon this year. More success followed in Palermo and New Haven last week, where she finished a semifinalist and finalist respectively. Currently ranked No.32 in the world, Cetkovska has no WTA singles titles to her name and is hoping to repeat her Grand Slam success from SW19 to here at Flushing Meadows as well.

Both players have contested two matches before and the head-to-head is tied at 1-1. Where Ivanovic won the pair's first meeting at the 2008 French Open which she captured eventually, Cetkovska won the pair's most recent meeting a Wimbledon in two closely contested sets.

Cetkovska had to work hard in her opener against Evgeniya Rodina whereas Ivanovic, on the other hand, cruised past Ksenia Pervak to secure her next round berth.

Ivanovic definitely has an additional reason of settling scores, going into this contest and has performed quite consistently over the past few weeks. She should come out a winner this time around, but only after three sets of struggle.

TennisEarth.com's Pick- Ana Ivanovic in three closely contested sets.