US Open 2010: Jelena Jankovic hoping to regain her lost form at Flushing Meadows
The former top-ranked tennis ace from the women’s side, Jelena Jankovic is still hoping to win her first Grand Slam title of the season at the Flushing Meadows, provided that the Serbian remains healthy and fit heading into the US Open 2010.
As far as her recent performances are concerned, the 25-year-old Jelena has not impressed the world with her game, as she suffered early exits in the tune-up tournaments of the United States Open 2010 as well.
Jelena suffered an ankle injury last month that forced her to withdraw from a championship in Slovenia, and has since failed to get back her top form she had in the first round match of the Rogers Cup tennis tournament 2010 few days ago in Montreal.
However, after being forced to retire at the grass court Grand Slam tournament as a result of back injury during a clash against the ultimate runner-up Vera Zvonareva in the round number four, Jelena is looking forward to make it happen this time at the final Grand Slam of the season.
“I am really fond of playing on the hard courts of the United States of America and particularly the US Open, as it is one of the four Grand Slam events of the season and a place where I like to perform well,” Jankovic, the finalist at the US Open back in 2008 told the reporters.
“Just about some two years ago I was a runner-up and I also made my way into the semi-final round of the competition back in 2006. Therefore, I am really hopeful to play even better at this year’s tournament,” added the Serbian.
Jelena has been highly criticised since losing in the semi final round of the French Open tennis tournament back in June and has so far failed to regain her actual foot speed and accuracy on the court.
During the first half of this year, Jelena succeeded at the Indian Wells WTA championship in March, after taking down the second-ranked Caroline Wozniacki and then defeated the Williams sisters at the Italian Open during the month of May before losing the final battle.
However, she has not defeated a top-twenty tennis ace since the grass court Grand Slam tournament, and has been performing below her high levels that once took her to as high as number one in the world, back in 2008.
“I injured my ankle, and it is really hard to come back after an injury and play your normal game,” said Jankovic. “It takes some time to get back to your normal game and play effectively. My confidence level has also affected greatly as a result of this injury, however, I know I will deal with it soon.”
Early departures at the recent championships have reduced Jelena’s winning chances at the United States Open tennis tournament starting from Monday.
However, with the exit of top-ranked Serena Williams from the U.S. Open due to a foot injury and absence of top-ranked players Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters from the event, Jelena feels the field at the Flushing Meadows is wide open for the Serbian.
“All I need to do at the moment is to accept my recent defeats and move on freely to play confidently at the Flushing Meadows,” said Jankovic.
“The competition is on, as there are so many players in the main draw who have higher chances of at least reaching the later stages of the competition. Since we don’t have a lot of tournaments left for the season, I really want to finish it as strongly as possible. I wish my health and body supports me well so that I can play at my very best in New York.”
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