Jelena Jankovic is in an upbeat mood ahead of her clash with Australia’s Sam Stosur at the Charleston Open.
The Serbian set up the showdown after breezing past Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0, 6-4. Racing through the first set in just 26 minutes, Jankovic came unstuck in the second after dropping serve two consecutive times. Nevertheless, the former No.1 managed to prevail in the match with the help of her experience.
“I didn’t really know her game, I had never really seen her play,” the 2007 champion told wtatennis.com. “The first set was pretty good, clean from my side. I served very well, returned very well and was hitting my first few shots quite solid. In the beginning of the second set, I made a couple of double faults…and she was able to come up with some really good returns. At times she was putting me under pressure, and sometimes it’s not easy to get out of that.”
Experiencing a lacklustre start to the season, the world No.53 has managed to win back-to-back main draw matches in just one out of eight tournaments. Her triumph over Alexandrova was only her fourth main draw win of 2017. Switching her focus to the clay, a surface she has won six WTA titles on, Jankovic is remaining in a defiant mood.
“I feel good on clay, even though I grew up playing on hard courts. I feel kind of like a ballerina on a clay court.” The upbeat 32-year-old said.
The next task for Jankovic will be a clash against sixth seed Stosur in the second round. It will be the 11th meeting between the two on the tour, but their first since 2013. Jankovic currently has a one-sided 8-2 lead in their head-to-head, however, she isn’t expecting an easy encounter.
“Sam is a tough competitor and has been very successful on clay in the past,” she explained. “I think she plays the best on clay. Every match is a new match and she’s a great player and knows how to get around on this surface. I have to play my best, and hopefully we can play some good tennis.”
Stosur, who is also a former champion in Charleston, received a bye in the first round of the tournament.
Jankovic’s 2017 so far
Shenzhen – R1
Hobart – R1
Australian Open – R3
Taiwan Open – R1
Doha Open – R1 (won three rounds of qualifying)
Dubai – R1
Indian Wells – R2
Miami R1
