Ana Ivanovic: First-round exit "worst thing that could happen"

Ana Ivanovic has admitted disappointment at her shock Australian Open first-round defeat at the hands of Lucie Hradecka this morning.

The fifth seed made a decent start to the contest as she raced into a one-set lead, although her Czech opponent, ranked a full 137 places below her, came out on top 1-6 6-3 6-2 at the Rod Laver Arena.

"It's really disappointing," Ivanovic told reporters. "You know, it's probably the worst thing that could happen. But still, the year is young and I really have to now sit and work on a few things and just maybe try to have a different approach to this kind of event and try to see what was lacking."

Hradecka will now face Polona Hercog in the next round later this week.