Ivanovic begins quest for third Generali title

LINZ, Austria - Ana Ivanovic started her quest for a third Generali Ladies title by defeating Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round on Tuesday.

The third-ranked Ivanovic, who won the event in 2008 and 2010, served five aces and broke Wickmayer, also a former winner in 2009, five times.

Ivanovic next plays another former French Open champion, Francesca Schiavone.

Earlier, Camila Giorgi upset last year’s finalist, Julia Goerges, 6-2, 6-3. The 105th-ranked Giorgi, who won three qualifying matches to reach the main draw, avoided break points and converted the second match point on her serve.

In the second round, Giorgi faces fifth-seeded Kirsten Flipkens, who rallied to beat 17-year-old Donna Vekic, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2.

“It was a good match though she made me work hard,” said the Italian, who broke Goerges three times. “I feel well on these hardcourts and I will try to keep going.”

Also, seeded players Carla Suarez Navarro and Dominika Cibulkova reached the second round.