Ana Ivanovic's efforts to improve her serve paid off as she toppled American Christina McHale by firing eight aces in her first game at the China Open on Saturday.

The 24-year-old Serb landed 69 percent of her first serves and won 85 percent of her points on first serves.

"I think that was the best service game I have ever had. I wouldn't complain if I served like that more often," Ivanovic said.

"The last match I played in Tokyo, I served terribly. It was probably the worst I served in a very long time, so I was really determined to do better today. I really took more time and focused on that, because I knew I could serve well and I did it in practice. So I had my attention on serve well today, and it worked well and I'm very pleased."

Ivanovic will face American Varvara Lepchenko in the second round.

"I know she serves big and has kind of a powerful game. She likes to go for her shots. She's been playing much better lately, and she had some really good results. It's going to be a tough match," she said.

China's Zhang Shuai got off to a quick start, defeating compatriot Wang Qiang 6-2, 6-3 in a wild-card match.

Another rising Chinese star, Zheng Saisai - also holding a wild card - was sent home by Hsieh Su-Wei from Chinese Taipei in two sets, 6-2, 6-3. The 18-year-old wasted eight of 10 break points, whereas Hsieh seized six of seven.

"She performed really well and made little mistakes, I didn't play well in serving and taking the ball. There were a lot of changes in her game," Zheng said.

In an evening match, fourth seed Petra Kvitova weeded out Daniela Hantuchova 6-2, 6-3.

Tang zhe

(China Daily 09/30/2012 page12)