WTA Linz - Ana Ivanovic continues winning streak in Linz

Two time former champion Ana Ivanovic is through to the second round of the Generali Ladies Linz event in Austria after grinding out a straight sets win over quirky Romanian tennis player Monica Niculescu.

Ivanovic beat the 70th ranked Niculescu 7-5, 6-3. The Serb won the title here in her last two appearances in Linz in 2008 and 2010.

She is now 15-2 lifetime at the event and is hoping a good showing will help her move closer to the top 10. She is currenty ranked 12th in the world.

Ivanovic will next meet good friend and former top 10 star Andrea Petkovic, who won her first round match on Tuesday. The two have split their first two career meetings.

Meanwhile. local wildcard Patricia Mayr-Achleitner upset No.8 seed Sabine Lisicki 61 63 in the first round while fifth seed Julia Goerges going beat Romina Oprandi, 63 63, in second round aciton where Sofia Arvidsson also beat Lucie Hradecka  64 76(4).