Punters pulling for Ivanovic in Aussie Open final

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

MELBOURNE (AFP) — Australian Open finalist Ana Ivanovic can count on at least one advantage over Maria Sharapova when she steps on court for Saturday's big match -- support from an adoring Melbourne Park crowd.

Australian fans boosted by Ivanovic's Melbourne-based relatives and a large expatriate Serb community have taken the 20-year-old to their hearts at the season-opening Grand Slam, cheering on her stirring wins to reach the final.

While spectators Down Under have never warmed to Russian ice princess Sharapova, Ivanovic has credited the buzz generated by her vocal supporters with getting her over the line at least twice at this year's tournament.

She dedicated her battling win over Venus Williams in the quarters to the crowd and then again thanked her...