Tennis Update: Jelena Jankovic speeds through the U.S Open first round
Fourth seed Jelena Jankovic, a Serbian professional player averted a first round upset by rallying to beat unseeded Romanian teenager, Simona Halep 6-4 4-6 7-5 at the U.S. Open on Tuesday.
Halep, an 18-year-old girl who ranked 96th in the world and who has been registered a champion but was two points from registering the first major upset of the championships serving at 5-4 in the third set before Jankovic, broke her record.
Jankovic, reached the U.S. Open final two years ago won the next two games and ended the tussle by breaking Halep at love - the 15th service break of the match in windy conditions on Arthur Ashe Center court.
Jankovic said in an on-court interview that the match was really a touch one. She needs to get used to the conditions as it was quite windy that day. Due to the weather, she seemed to be a bit nervous but afterwards she was very happy to get through.
Both the players were not in their usual form, as Halep and Jankovic committed seven double faults in the two hour and 20 minutes match. Jankovic, who played only four hard-court matches in three tournaments made 48 errors against the Romanian, who engaged her in many long rallies until appearing to tire at the end.
“Hopefully, I’ll play with more confidence, go after my shots and make fewer errors. Today I was a little rusty,” said by Jelena Jankovic.
In spite of Halep’s defeat in Cincinnati, Montreal and New Haven, Halep made a superb comeback in the U.S. Open debut. However, Jankovic stepped up her game and a fatigued Halep had no more answer despite a valiant effort.
"It was a tough match. It was, you know, my first match here. For me, those first matches are always the toughest. It was really hot and windy; I made a lot of errors. I just tried to move on and play the best I could. You just have to fight and try your best, give your maximum and get through. It gives you a lot more confidence for the next round." Jankovic said.
The Serb appeared to be confused in the first set, perhaps that’s because of she has won just one match in her three tournaments leading up to the open, after returning from injury. Halep showed visible progress during the match, she was really good with her serves but Jankovic fought back hitting a forehand winner to get to set point before closing out the set with an ace. During the whole match, Halep proved to be the more aggressive player.
Jankovic is one of those few players who can slide on all surfaces. Her two-handed back hand down the line is tremendous and also recognized as her signature shot. She is one of the toughest and fittest players in the tennis world, her defensive abilities classifies her as a counterpuncher.
Serve has always proved to be the Jankovic’s weakest point but now she has changed her serve motion to produce more power and fortunately, it has worked out. Grass is considered her weakest surface, so we could say that may be the hard courts helped her in excellent timing and speed to win matches. Jankovic still needs to work hard and practice a lot as the competition in upcoming matches will be increased with more professional and experienced players. She needs to work on her serves and forehand especially.
Hopefully, the former World No.1 Serbian professional tennis player will live to the expectations of the spectators and will come up with good results. She will be facing Mirfana Lucic in her third round. Lucic is a Croatian professional tennis player, whose current ranking is No.150 and has won 2 WTA and 2 ITF career titles. According to experts Jankovic will be comparatively better than Lucic in the upcoming match, but still Jankovic’s unpredictable performance always leave a question mark for all the experts.
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