Top-seeded Ivanovic Defeated at Wimbledon
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WIMBLEDON, England (AP) – Top-seeded Ana Ivanovic was knocked out in the third round of Wimbledon today by 133rd-ranked Zheng Jie of China, extending a spate of stunning upsets at the All England Club.
Ms. Ivanovic, who took over the No. 1 ranking after winning the French Open earlier this month, slumped to a 6-1, 6-4 loss to the wild-card entry and doubles specialist.
Ms. Ivanovic, who saved two match points before overcoming Nathalie Dechy in three sets on Wednesday, had no answer for the hard-hitting Ms. Zheng.
“It’s a surprise for me,” said 24-year-old Ms. Zheng, who won the Wimbledon doubles title in 2006. “Thanks to Wimbledon (which) gave me a wild card. I just tried my best and had to keep going, going.”
Ms. Ivanovic went out a day after 2004 champion and third-seeded Maria Sharapova was ousted by 154th-ranked Alla Kudryavtseva and two-time men’s runnerup Andy Roddick was bounced by Janko Tipsarevic. A day earlier, Australian Open champion and No. 3-ranked Novak Djokovic fell to Marat Safin.