ADOPTED Aussie Ana Ivanovic has emerged as a deadly threat to Petra Kvitova's world No1 aspirations after booking a heavyweight Australian Open showdown with the explosive Czech.
Ivanovic is one of the few players boasting an unbeaten record against Kvitova and takes on the Wimbledon champion tomorrow with no plans of leaving her beloved Melbourne any time soon.
The resurgent Serb is eyeing her first Grand Slam quarter-final berth since winning the 2008 French Open after seeing off unseeded American Vania King 6-3, 6-4 in the third round yesterday.
Kvitova barely raised a sweat in advancing to the last 16 when Russian Maria Kirilenko retired with a thigh injury while trailing 6-0, 1-0 at Rod Laver Arena.
Kvitova, though, will doubtless be more anxious about facing Ivanovic, the former world No1 and 2008 Open runner-up who leads their career series 3-0.
Ivanovic played down her record over the heir apparent to Caroline Wozniacki's top ranking, but admitted a coveted spot in the last eight was a driving motivation.
''Oh, it would be great. That's definitely my goal,'' the Serb said.
''I always want to take it one match at a time. [The] next match will get me there.
''It's going to be very tough one. Petra is definitely playing some great tennis. She's one of the hottest players at the moment. It's going to be great challenge for me.
''But I'm really happy to go out there and throw my best at her. The better player will win.''
With family in Australia and a long-time Australian conditioner in her camp, Ivanovic has spent the past decade preparing for the season-opening Grand Slam in this country.
''It's great because I had time to adjust to circumstances. I love it,'' she said.
''I've done it every year for maybe eight or 10 years now. It's always very enjoyable.''
The 24-year-old spent this summer focusing on fitness with new coach Nigel Sears and said being in top shape was yielding rewards.
''That's really paying off. I'm feeling very good physically,'' Ivanovic said. ''It's great to be back in the second week and competing against top players.''
Her golfer boyfriend Adam Scott was once again supporting the 21st seed from courtside and will remain in Melbourne, his own career on hold, until Ivanovic gets knocked out.
Triple Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova also joined Kvitova and Ivanovic in round four with a 6-1, 6-2 rout of German's 2011 US Open semi-finalist Angelique Kerber.
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