Serb goes extra s-mile

May 2009 | by Ross Hudson

Jelena JankovicThe appearance of Jelena Jankovic at Eastbourne 2009 is a tremendous added attraction to the already star-studded event. 

The charismatic Serbian star, an ex-world no1 and 2008 US Open finalist, is a global crowd favourite who wins over fans through her playing style and personality.

But on court she displays a fierce competitive spirit, which is much more light-heartedness than most. 

And Jankovic holds a special place in the hearts of British fans after she so memorably giggled and flirted with Britain's and Jamie Murray en route to the 2007 Wimbledon mixed doubles crown.

"I know how much the British fans love their tennis, they were so supprortive the year Jamie and I won Wimbledon," smiled Jankovic. "I hope I can continue to make them smile as they keep on supporting me."

The entry to the 2009 AEGON International of Jankovic and compatriot Ana Ivanovic will draw comparisons to the last time a keen rivalry from a nation scaling new tennis heights played Eastbourne. In 2006 the Belgim pair of Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters competed, with eventual champion Henin seeing off Clijsters in three sets at the semi-final stage.

Jelena JankovicYet the majority of top players on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour have been influenced by the playing style of Monica Seles more than anyone in recent years. Indeed Seles had an extra influence on Jankovic and Ivanovic due to her nationality. Naturalised American Seles grew up in Serbia's second city of Novi Sad and won eight grand slam singles titles under the Yugoslav flag while the current generation of Serbian stars were just starting to learn their craft.

But it can be argued that Jankovic also has a similarility to Anastasia Myskina, the 2004 French Open champion and a favourite at Eastbourne until she stopped playing on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour after becoming a single mother. The likeness is not only for being a slightly shorter brunette beauty amongs a generation of tall blondes, but also for a playing style that relies less on power and more on the ability to read the game coupled with defensive skills.

And Jankovic was widely tipped as the natural successor to Henin, who suddenly retired in May 2008, and the vacant 'queen of clay' accolade. But she has not quite managed to step into the shoes of Henin and slipped up when so perilously close to making Serbian history at the 2008 French Open. 

Jelena JankovicIn the semi-final at Roland Garros, Jankovic raced into a 3-1 final set lead over Ivanovic, aware that the winner of the match would become the first world no1 - male or female - under the Serbian flag. But the pressure, coupled with her opponent's increased consistency and power, became too much and Jankovic fluffed the opportunity and saw Ivanovic climb to no1 and became the first female Serbian grand slam singles champion.

With the chance to take over as world no1 on numerous occasions in 2008, Jankovic kept on losing the match that wouldn have sealed her sitting pretty at the top. But she finally overcame nerves in August to become world no1, albeit for only one week.

But her more positive and aggressive performance in the 2008 US Open final, where she lost to an imperious Serena Williams, sparked a turnaround. Jankovic had belief in herself and roared to three straight tournament wins in Beijing, Stuttgart and Moscow respectively including hard-fought triumphs over Elena Dementieva and Venus Williams.
She leaped back to world no1 and had already secured the prestigious year-ending top ranking when she reached the end-of-season Tour Championships, losing to Venus Williams but more importantly defeating Ivanovic.

The start of 2009 failed to live up to the new high expectations, losing to Marion Bartoli in the fourth round of the Australian Open, and falling in the opening rounds at Indian Wells and the 'fifth grand slam' of Miami's Sony Ericsson Open.

Jelena JankovicWith the Andalucia Tennis Experience next on her agenda, the Serbian star travelled to Marbella early to relax before practising. 

And she was bowled over by the Spanish resort. "It was a beautiful place: nice beach, nice weather and really friendly people," she admitted. "I had time to practice on clay, adjust my footwork, and find my rhythm again."

After a tricky semi-final, Jankovic breezed through the final to win the inaugural Andalucia Tennis Experience. And was all smiles off court too, which worked well for the new Orbit chewing gum 'smile ambassador' for Serbia. Whether that smile has been wiped off her face is difficult to gauge, as she has suffered disaapointing quarter-final exits at the Italian Open and the Madrid Masters.

But Jankovic's ability to suddenly improve her form is legendary. In 2006, she had lost 10 matches in a row so was seriously considering quitting the sport and going to university. What changed her mind was a splendid run to the 2006 Italian Open quarter-finals. And with renewed confidence in her ability, Jankovic brushed aside the opposition that year to reach the semi-final at five Sony Ericsson WTA Tour events and the last four at the US Open.

Jelena JankovicShe has only made a single previous Eastbourne appearance before, as a 20-year-old in 2005, when she lost to eventual champion Clijsters. But has shown good form on grass, including victory over Venus Williams at 2006 Wimbledon and fighting back from 3-0 down in the decisive set to beat defending champion Maria Sharapova in the final at 2007 Birmingham.

Arguably Jankovic has struggled with so many injuries. Competing in 27 tournaments during 2007 was maybe a bit excessive, so she trimmed the amount to 22 the following year. Her trademark speed around the court, form and physical fitness are always unpredictable, but Jankovic is a tournament winner with organisers and fans alike regardless of when she is knocked out.

I know how much the British fans love their tennis ... I hope I can continue to make them smile

- Jelena Jankovic