Shocks in a Gulf sandstorm

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

DOHA (AFP) — Ana Ivanovic, the top seed in a tier one tournament for the first time, may not survive to play her second match after hurting her left ankle in Wednesday's 6-3, 6-1 win over Olga Govortsova in the 2.5 million dollar Qatar Open.

The Australian Open runner-up from Serbia appeared to be coping with a minor sandstorm and the ambitions of the 19-year-old Belarussian until the final game, when, at 30-15, she suddenly slipped as she tried to turn near the baseline.

It was clear at once that the injury was significant as Ivanovic sat down behind the baseline with a hand covering her face which was contorted with discomfort.

She remained there for three minutes, much of the time in tears, as she was inspected by the physio, before being helped by the...