Ivanovic looks to defend Monterrey crown

AnaIvanovic - Cropped

Struggling for form since the Brisbane International, Ana Ivanovic needs to turn her season around if she is to defend her Monterrey Open title.

The Serbian was runner-up in Queensland in her opening tournament of the year but she has battled since.

A shock first-round exit at the Australian Open was followed by a last-16 loss in Dubai, where Karolina Pliskova proved too good for Ivanovic.

The world number six will be the top seed in Mexico, and the favourite to claim the title at the WTA International event played on hard courts.

Sara Errani is the second seed, with the Italian having won the Rio Open before losing to Monica Puig in the second round in Acapulco.

Caroline Garcia and Timea Bacsinszky, the third and fourth seeds respectively, are the form players heading into the event.

The duo enjoyed good runs in Acapulco, and only fatigue is likely to stop them from challenging again.

Sloane Stephens is one capable of being a threat but the American is out of form.

The powerful right-hander holds a 2-4 win-loss record this year, with three straight losses heading to Monterrey.

Stephens is the sixth seed, while Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Alison Riske and Daniela Hantuchova are the other seeds.

Ivanovic will take some stopping if she can get through the early rounds at the tournament she won last year.

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