Ivanovic takes Bali title

Ana Ivanovic defeated Alisa Kleybanova 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) Sunday to complete her turnaround season with a trophy at the Bali Tournament of Champions.

After sinking to a lowly 65th ranking during a two-year-lull following 2008 grand slam success at Roland Garros, the Serb, who turned 23 this weekend, won her second title of her last three events to cement a major comeback effort.

Ivanovic earned a place at the eight-woman event reserved for winners of WTA International titles during 2010 by lifting a title at Linz, Austria in October.

The Serb knows she still needs to make improvements. "I need to get to the level where I'm comfortable against top players all the time," she said.

"I feel very confident about my game and my fitness.

My game is getting close to where it used to be. I'm playing more aggressive. I'm much more mature and a more complete player now."

Ivanovic's victory over Russia's Kleybanova, who failed to complete an Asian hat-trick after winning Kuala Lumpur and Seoul this season, will lift 24th-placed Ivanovic back to inside the Top 20 for the first time in over a year.

NUSA DUA, Indonesia, AFP