Ivanovic caps a sad season by withdrawing from Beijing

BEIJING - The hard luck continued Saturday for one-time world No.1 Ana Ivanovic, with the Serb forced to withdraw from the China Open due to an upper respiratory tract infection.

“This is an appropriate ending to a very disappointing season,” said the world No.11 in a statement as the women’s side of the dual event began.

“This trip to Asia (she lost in this week’s Tokyo first round to Lucie Safarova) has been a big disappointment. I’ve struggled with my health pretty much since I arrived.

“It’s very disappointing for me as well, to come here, see the amazing facility they have and not have the energy to be able to step onto court. I can only look forward to coming back here next year.”

Ivanovic won her last match in mid-August, then went out in the opening round of the US Open more than a month ago.

“I was hoping to be able to see some improvements before the season ended. I’ve gone through a lot of training and physical changes over the past few months, which have mostly remained private until now.

“My body is quite fragile at the moment, because I over-trained during the first part of the year. This was, I think, what caused me to have many small injuries this season,” said the 2008 French Open champion whose ranking has dropped steadily since that success.

“Despite my disappointments there is not a single doubt in my mind that I will reach the top again and win Grand Slams.”