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In the college ranks, Valentina Ivanov has won four of her last five singles matches and won the last six straight partnered with Jessica Alsola in doubles.
BERKELEY – California women’s tennis senior Valentina Ivanov returned from international duty after representing New Zealand in the Billie Jean King Cup from Tuesday through Saturday of last week. Ivanov is back in time to play in her final regular-season match as a Golden Bear on Friday against Stanford at the Hellman Tennis Complex.
Competing at Moon Island Clay Park, in Changsha, China, New Zealand attempted to advance out of Asia/Oceania Group 1 to reach the playoffs of the tournament formerly known as the Fed Cup. New Zealand needed to finish in the top two of the six-team group to earn promotion but finished fourth with a 3-2 record.
Despite the overall result, Ivanov relished the latest opportunity to play for her country. She previously played for New Zealand in Billie Jean King Cup action last July.
“It’s such an honor every time I get to represent New Zealand and put on those colors,” Ivanov said. “You’re just grateful you can be at the level and compete. This time we were playing in group one. It was a really high level. China had a team with four girls ranked in the top 100 of the WTA, so it was a really good experience to see that level and compete against some really good girls.
“It was a tough transition from the hard courts because I had to play on clay for a little bit in China. But overall, I’m grateful I was able to go and compete. I’m excited to be back this weekend for Stanford. I wouldn’t miss that.”
In New Zealand’s opener against South Korea last Tuesday, Ivanov got the nod in singles but fell to Yeonwoo Ku, 6-4, 6-4, and the Kiwis lost, 3-0. New Zealand rebounded to defeat Oceania, 3-0, on Wednesday, as Ivanov paired with former Georgia Tech star Paige Hourigan to beat Mehetia Boosie and Ruby Coffin, 6-0, 6-1.
Against the host nation Thursday, Ivanov dropped a 6-0, 6-1 match to Lin Zhu as New Zealand fell to China, 3-0.
The Kiwis finished strong, winning their last two matches including Friday’s contest vs. Chinese Taipei. While Ivanov fell to Joanna Garland, 7-5, 6-2, New Zealand eventually claimed a 2-1 victory. With…
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