Ana set up a quarter-final meeting with former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki by beating world No.22 Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 7-6 (7-4) in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Just as she had done in her first round match yesterday, Ana made a blistering start. She attacked the Kirilenko serve and moved into a 4-0 lead, despite having to save a clutch of break points in her opening service game.
The Russian, who had easily beaten Ana in Tokyo the last time the two players met, was in fine form but Ana's determination proved to be the deciding factor.
The second set was a more keenly contested encounter. Indeed, Ana won just two points more than the Russian throughout.
Heading into the tiebreak the momentum was with Kirilenko, who had won her last nine breakers. However, Ana fought for every point and won the last four as she clinched victory in an hour and 53 minutes.
"It was a little bit strange match, I would say, especially the second set," said Ana.
"There was just so many breaks and so many return winners.
"It was just very strange and it was hard to get the rhythm. There were not too many long rallies and then all of a sudden you would have one.
"So I really thought I managed well to keep my composure in the tiebreak, despite being 3-0, going 4-3 down, yet still managing to win."
Ana and Wozniacki have played each other three times before, with Ana leading the head-to-head series 2-1. The Dane won their last encounter, in Beijing two years ago.
The match is scheduled as the first of the night session on Center Court and is due to begin at 7pm local time (4pm Central European Time; 10am Eastern Time).
Click here for live point-by-point scoring from the Dubai Tennis Stadium.
