Injured Ivanovic confident of competing in Dubai

The Australian Open runner-up withdrew from the Qatar Open last week after falling during her second round match. However, after intensive treatment, the Serb was ready to take to the practice court on Monday.

"It's much better. Now I can walk without any pain and that's definitely a bonus," Ivanovic told reporters. "I had lots of treatment and lots of sleepless nights. I had to keep waking up to ice it through the night, but it definitely helped my foot to recover faster.

"Yesterday in the morning it was not so good, but suddenly in the afternoon it rapidly started getting much better. So my chances of playing are over 50 per cent."

Third seed Ivanovic has a bye into the second round where she will face either Czech Nicole Vaidisova or a qualifier.

In the first round, eighth seed Elena Dementieva of Russia saved two set points before overcoming Swiss left-hander Patty Schnyder 7-5 6-0.

Russian Dinara Safina beat Tunisian wild card Selima Sfar 6-1 6-3 but her compatriot Maria Kirilenko fell 3-6 6-3 6-2 to Australian Open doubles champion Alona Bondarenko of Ukraine. (Reuters)