By Ana Ivanovic
THEY say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and that was true for my match yesterday. I didn't play well, but I am through to the second round, and that's the most important thing.
My opponent, Sorana Cirstea, played some very good tennis. I didn't take my chances early on and she put me under pressure. I was hesitant, and could easily have lost the first set. In the second set I played some better tennis, and I'm very happy that I was able to win, 7-5, 6-3.
On the positive side, I was able to concentrate throughout the match. My focus is quite good, but occasionally my mind wanders during matches. In the past I have thought about random things, like what I'm going to be doing later, or something funny someone told me earlier in the day. One time I even thought about my victory speech during a final.
I always have a song playing in my head during a match. It can be annoying. Yesterday the song was Maroon 5's Wake Up Call.
I am probably one of the most superstitious players. I avoid stepping on the lines of the court, because I believe it brings me bad luck. I used to bounce the ball only once before serving. Now I bounce the ball exactly four times.
A UNICEF donation has been made on Ana's behalf for this column