Ana takes on world No.2 and reinging Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday. The 24-year-old holds a 3-0 head-to-head record against the Czech but the two have not played since 2009, when Kvitova was ranked outside the top 20.
"It's just very exciting to be in a second week," said Ana, who disclosed that she and coach Nigel Sears had set objectives prior to the tournmament. "That was the first step for us. That was the first goal we had.
"It's nice to be able to achieve that. Now it's going to be tough matches, match after match.
"But I still believe I can do well. I'm just enjoying competing again. It's going to be tough, but I love challenges.
Ana is yet to drop a set here, while Kvitova wobbled during a three-set second round win over Carla Suarez Navarro. However, Kvitova will come into the match as a strong favourite due to the gulf in rankings of the two players.
About the Czech, Ana commented: "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."
The match is scheduled as the first on Rod Laver Arena on Monday. It will begin at 11am local time (1am Central European Time: 7pm Sunday Eastern Time). Click here for live point-by-point scoring from Melbourne Park.
