The landscape of the WTA and ATP tours seems to make it increasingly harder for smaller events to attract big names, given that top players are only allowed to play a certain number of lesser tournaments.
In 2012 Brisbane will provide fierce competition for Auckland, as it has been upgraded in status to a premier event on the WTA tour, meaning US$600,000 ($725,000) in prizemoney and no restriction on the amount of top 10 players. Auckland offers US$220,000 ($265,000) and can sign just one top 10 player.
As well as Sharapova, the ASB Classic has attracted Lindsay Davenport and Elena Dementieva for reported six figure fees but Ivanovic says it is not all about the money.
"I'm not sure how much of a factor prize money is in attracting players," says Ivanovic. "What's more important to me is the timing and the strength of the field. Geography is a factor too [as] you always try to make a schedule that makes sense in terms of travel."
Auckland prides itself on being a friendly, hospitable event in comfortable surroundings but Ivanovic says that is not unique on the tour.
"Many tournaments are very well run and the staff welcoming and kind. You go back there year after year, so you form a relationship with them. But timing is really the most important thing. There are tournaments in some very attractive locations that I would love to play but they don't suit my schedule."
In the US Open, which starts tonight (NZT), Ivanovic looms as a potential dark horse, especially with the absence of Kim Clijsters and injury clouds over the Williams sisters. She has a forehand still regarded as one of the best on the circuit, but also retains a wobbly serve and questionable game temperament.
After winning the French Open in 2008 - in her third Grand Slam final in 13 months - she was ranked number one in the world and the possibilities were endless. She hasn't progressed beyond the fourth round of the 13 Grand Slams since and injuries and slumps have seen her spend time outside the top 50.
But she can take heart from an encouraging performance at Flushing Meadows last year when she reached the last 16 before being ousted by eventual champion Clijsters, and has shown improvement in the second half of this year.
"I've not had a great first part of the season, but I'm hoping to change that," says Ivanovic. "It has been up and down for me, but I'm looking forward now. There is still half of the season to go."
After tasting success so young, Ivanovic is sure she would appreciate it more the second time round - if she can get back there. She talks of no longer taking wins for granted and handling success, and failure, much better. She is trying out another new coach - her eighth since 2006 - and has brought former fitness trainer Scott Byrnes back into her stable.
Off the court, Ivanovic remains as popular as ever - having won many awards as 'hottest' female athlete or tennis player. She was even named the best-looking woman in the history of tennis by the Melbourne Age and is one of the most recognisable faces on the planet.
