Ana Ivanovic & Jelena Jankovic Tennis

I Stop Here, Ana & Jelena Continue To WTA World #1

2008-04-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'll take some time off from the blog. Before I do, these are Ana's (Australian Open 2008 Final) and Jelena's (Charleston Open title) biggest successes before they are to win their first Grand Slam.

Ana Ivanovic Still WTA #2, Jelena Jankovic Now #5

2008-04-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

In this morning's, Monday April 14th, WTA list, Ana Ivanovic remained on #2 position with 4157 WTA points, Jelena Jankovic dropped from #3 down to #5 position with 3770. Justine Henan kept #1 position with 6105 points, Svetlana Kuznetsova improved to #3 from previous #4, while Maria Sharapova (the winner of last week's Tier II Amelia Island arose from #5 to #4 position with 3876 points. Anna Chakvetadze is at #6 with 2665 points.

Both Ana and Jelena did not participate in any tournament last week (the biggest one happening Tier II Amelia Island). Ana will not play in the next two weeks until Fed Cup, while Jelena will be defending title (and 430 won points) at Charlston this week.

Jelena is #1 seed in Charleston, her possible opponents could be Cibulkova and Zvonareva, then Schnyder, Dementieva and Radwanska. With such draws, it appeared Jelena had some luck s in other half of the draw are Sharapova, Chakvetadze, Serena Williams and Safina. Jelena will play first match on Wednesday, April 16th.

Jelena said: 'After a few days of rest and shopping in Los Angeles, I went back to Florida and started training again. I'm defending title at Charleston and I spent a lot of time with my condition coach on the beach to be best prepared. It's not easy running sprints and doing all sorts of excercises on sand, but it's a great training for muscles. I wanted to prepare myself the best for long points on clay'.

Jelena passed week visited her main sponsor 'Reebok' in Boston and used the opportunity to visit the Boston Red Sox baseball game and said: 'I didn't know much about this sport but I enjoyed, eating hot dog, as you can see on the picture. Stadium is called Fenway Park and has a very long and reach tradition. It was cool to visit such a special place'.

Aside Charleston tournament, before return to Europe, Jelena will have several promoting activities to do, including 'Trademark' show for Sports TV station ESPN and said: 'I decided it to be my backhand parallel. I hope everyone who will be watching ESPN during summer will be able to see and hear my advices on how to hit backhand in 'JJ style'.

Ana Ivanovic Inbetween The Tournaments

2008-04-12T14:13:00.000-07:00

With clay season started this week in Amelia Island, Eurosport (TV channel) made an analysis who is the best WTA player on clay surface (criteria based upon results in the last several clay seasons including the last 7 Roland Garosses, taking in consideration the stregth of the tournaments), Ana is placed #3 player on clay, Justine Henan is at #1 and Jelena Jankovic at #2.

Eurosport valued a good result at Grand Slam giving 2 time more points than Tier I events, and a little less than 3 time more than results achieved at category II, III and IV tournaments. As the title winner at the last 3 Roland Garosses, Justine is by far the most successful player on clay while Jelena played brilliantly on clay last season winning Charleston and Rome and reaching Roland Gaross Semifinal.

Ana has been listed in the 300 most influential people (at #92), 100 most influential women and 50 most influential sportmen in Serbia by the Serbian daily newspapers 'Blic'.

Ana appeared on the Calcutta Times (Indian newspapers) front page in the first week of April and commentated on the upcoming clay season: 'I really enjoy playing on clay and Berlin last year was a turning point in my career, not just because I won the tournament but because I reached the top 10 during this event'.

Ana: 'It’s been a very good start to the year. I feel like I continued on the same path that I was on last year. Obviously reaching the final of the Australian Open was a big highlight for me. The tournaments in Doha and Dubai were very frustrating. Getting injured is the most difficult thing about being a professional tennis player and I had a bad experience in Doha'.

Ana: 'It’s the next Grand Slam (Roland Gaross) and my goal is to win it. I have already reached two finals so I know what it takes to get there, and now I need to go one step further and win a Grand Slam. Paris is a special place for me, not just because of last year but I had a great time there three years ago when I reached the quarter-finals'.

Ana also talked about grass season that follow clay season: 'It’s definitely one of the most difficult parts of the season. It would be good if there was more time to adjust, and to recover from the French Open. But I see it as a big challenge, and one that I’ll enjoy'.

Ana: I have a good chance (at Wimbledon). I feel like my game is well suited to grass, because I have a good serve and I can play at the net and be aggressive. But there are many great players and it’s going to be extremely tough.

Ana's thoughts on Roger Federer: 'I have met him a few times. Actually I interviewed him last year, at a party just before the U.S. Open for The Tennis Channel. He’s a very nice guy. We talked tennis a little bit and it was very interesting for me to hear what he said, because I can definitely learn from him. I enjoy watching him play a lot'.

Ana will rest two weeks more, until April 26th, and the Fed Cup match, Ana's thoughts on her WTA schedule: 'It's very importanat to pay attention on choosing the tournaments because it's impossible to play good at several tournaments one after another. My first next tournament will be Berlin when I'm defending title, afterwards follow Rome and Roland Gaross'. Amelia Island is ongoing this week and Charleston starts next week.

In offcourt news, Wentworth Miller commanted on Ana's comment about him (in answer to fan questions who is one person Ana would choose to spend a day with, Ana said it's Wentworth). Wentworth said it would be a great honor to meet Ana and one does not need to follow tennis to know who Ana Ivanovic is and that aside being one of the best tennis players she is also one of the pretties tennis players.

Jelena Jankovic Offcourt Likes/Dislikes

2008-04-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

In this week's WTA rankings, Ana Ivanovic stayed at #2 and Jelena Jankovic at #3 position. Both Ana and Jelena will not be on court this week, Ana will rest until April 26 and Fed Cup match while Jelena will participate next week at Charlston.

Here are some details about Jelena's likes/dislikes offcourt: Jelena's favorite animals is dog and she has a Maltese named Napoleon who lives at her home in Miami. Jelena wears and rotates pink and white tennis dresses by Rebook and for the time of being those two are to stay as Rebook is not sending new ones, Jelena prefers the pink color model as she prefers brigher colors and wears it more.

Jelena's priority this year are the Singles matches and she may play Doubles only at Grand Slams. Jelena has expressed her wish to play in Doubles with Ana at the Beijing Olympics this summer.

Jelena's favorite dessert is chocolate and she can be a fanatical about it (luckily she trains and stays in shape:). Jelena looks forward towards the upcoming clay season as she had a great clay court season last year winning two Tier Is and playing in the Semifinals of Roland Gaross.

Jelena lives on two sides of the world, when tournaments are in North America she spends time in her house in Miami USA, when the tournaments are in Europe, she spends time in her home town Belgrade in Serbia.

In the offseason Jelena prefers more spending time at warmer places, with cold winters in Belgrade, she usually spends more time in Miami. Even though Jelena prefers warmer weather, heat (especially over 100 degress) is the hardest thing about playing a match.

Video: Jelena Jankovic practicing at Miami Open 2008

2008-04-06T03:01:00.000-07:00

Miami Open Final: Post Match Interviews

2008-04-06T02:44:00.000-07:00

Jelena's and Serena's thought on the Miami Open Final 2008:

Jelena: 'The first couple games in the third set were the crucial games, which I let them go, and I had game points in the first game, third set and the second. You know, I had easy balls, you know, to go up 15‑40, and I missed that shot. There was a lady who was little bit screaming during the point, and I lost, somehow, my focus on that shot'.

Jelena: 'Because, you know, when you're playing you're so focused. All of a sudden somebody screams from the crowd, and you ‑‑ in that split second you kind of ‑‑ I don't know what happens. I just made that mistake and I lost those games, and then I tried to come back. I tried to fight. I thought that Serena really had trouble closing out the match'.

Jelena: 'She looked so nervous out there. I could never believe that a girl who has won so many Grand Slams, so many tournaments, could be that nervous, you know, closing out the match. It felt like it was her first time, you know, to win that tournament. She has won it so many times'.

Jelena: 'But she was very strong, especially in the first set, you know. When she's playing her best tennis, when she's serving well, it's just tough to match up against her. Even though I work hard physically, I can never in my life be as strong as her. So it's just a big difference. But I was trying my best out there. It was windy. It was hard for me to, you know, play the balls where I wanted them. She was the better one today, and she's the winner of this tournament'.

Jelena: 'I was sick. You know, it was so really annoying for me to be sick, you know, and playing a final. I felt little bit weak today. I felt ‑‑ I couldn't breathe. But I didn't, I tried not to think about this. I tried just to play the game and just enjoy it and have fun'.

Jelena: 'Finally I finished the tournament so I can rest, because I've been on antibiotics. I think with the playing and a lot of action, being sick, you cannot recover. I think I need some rest in order to get better, and I finally can do that after today'.

Jelena: 'I started to feel a little bit dizzy in the court, light headed like when I blow my nose my ears were popping like when you're on the airplane. That's how it feels. It's uncomfortable, but what can I do? I kept coughing and coughing, and I coughed my way through the tournament. It was really weird. (laughter.) I had to do ‑‑ I had to do my best in order to be here'.

Jelena: 'Even though I don't feel, you know, 100%, there's not ‑‑ nothing in my mind that will make me default so I cannot go. I can be weak and I don't care. I will not play, I cannot compete at my best, and then just default in the final. That would be really bad for the fans. I could never do that'.

Jelena: 'So I'm sick, but I tried my best out there to play my game and to match up against, you know, very strong opponent. But obviously I didn't ‑‑ I couldn't do it. It was a three‑set match, and it was a tough one'.

Jelena: 'I thought I could come back at the end. You know, if I had won that game at 5‑4, I didn't think that could have happened. It was unlucky for me, but next time. I had a pretty good score against her ‑‑ I beat her in Australia and I played so much better. Here with the wind on one side it's so much tougher. I hit so hard and my balls went past service line. It's difficult, but that's just the way it has to go'.

Jelena: 'I had all these actors when I was returning. It was just funny. I was thinking that one of the actors was in that movie, if you know, White Men Can't Jump. I was feeling when I was playing that match, I thought, White Girls Can't Play, you know'.

Jelena: 'I felt like that at a certain point when I was playing against Serena. I was just like there's no way I can play with this girl. She's just too strong for me. But, you know, I could have done it, but she was just, you know, too good at the end'.

Jelena talked about being love-3 down in the second set and love-5 down in the third set: 'That is one quality that I have, and there's going to be days when I'm not going to play well, like maybe today, and there are going to days when I'm going to play well. But something that is always there is my fighting spirit, no matter what the score is'.

Jelena: 'If it's 5‑Love, 3‑Love, whatever the score is, I'm not giving up. I'm still out there and I'm still fighting for every point, and I still believe that I can come back and win the match. I was on my way, but unfortunately it didn't happen'.

Jelena: 'The crowd enjoyed, you know, the match. I think it was for both, but obviously she's American, and for sure she's going to have many more fans here. But I also had many, many fans, and especially Serbian fans. You could always hear them. They're always loud, and you always know where they are'.

Jelena: 'It's just a fun atmosphere to play in front of the crowd. It's amazing. It was a full stadium. It was a nice final overall. I thought that I'm going to come back at 5‑3. I was ‑‑ you know, I just said to myself, If only I can make one more game, 5‑4, and go out on the other side and play with the wind and she's against the wind. It's so much tougher. She hits so hard.

Jelena: 'But then I can still manage to play aggressive and dictate those points from that side, but I didn't do it. So it was unfortunate, but I believe that I could have, I could come back'.

Jelena: 'I feel like I'm making improvement on the physical part, because I've been working with a fitness trainer in Indian Wells and here throughout these two tournaments. I already feel that I'm making some progress, but it takes time, of course'.

Jelena: 'But I already feel a lot better than I felt in Dubai where I played a third‑setter and I couldn't even move. I was too tired, too exhausted. I was completely out of shape. And now I'm coming back, I'm getting better and better, but it will take, you know, more time, of course'.

Jelena: 'But as for the coach, hopefully, you know, I was getting some help here in beginning of the tournament and as well in Indian Wells. Makes a huge difference, because I'm No. 3 player in the world without a coach, and I can just imagine what will happen to me if I have a full‑time coach that will be there for me all the time and share his knowledge and experience with me'.

Serena: 'I thought I had like 15 matches points. I'm glad to know it wasn't. I really thought I had 15. I don't know. I just ‑‑ a couple of shots she hit really well, and then a couple of times I made some mistakes, and I was just like, it was just weird'.

Serena: 'I was definitely up and on my way to glory, and out of there, you know, within an hour. But, you know, I made a lot, I started making a lot of mistakes. Then I think I wasn't doing, Jelena obviously started playing when you have nothing to lose it's like you play like you have nothing to lose, and those are the most dangerous people in life, you know, on the court'.

Serena: 'So I think she just started making some great shots and, you know, putting a few more balls in play, and I started missing some important shots. You know, she got lucky a few times. I got lucky, you know, then she just closed it out'.

Serena: 'Jelena is a great fighter. She seems to always be down match point and sometimes is coming back and winning. Not only that, the fact that she's a great player and fighter, also the fact I made mistakes I shouldn't have made and I missed shots I shouldn't have missed'.

Serena: 'I didn't do the right, the same thing that got me to be up a set 3‑Love. It's more a factor of me allowing myself to be dominated, so I think if you factor in all those factors, then that's kind of what happened'.

Serena: 'I think she's definitely unpredictable. She's hitting shots down the line and she'll mix it up and go crosscourt, she'll hit a lob. She's not someone you can say, I know she's going to do this at this point. You have to always be on your toes'.

Video: Miami Open Final, Best Point Of The Match

2008-04-06T02:41:00.000-07:00

Video: Miami Open Final Match Overview

2008-04-06T02:36:00.000-07:00

Video: Miami Open Final, Serena Williams Trashes Recket Against Ground

2008-04-06T02:34:00.000-07:00

Miami Open: Jelena Jankovic Lost In Final

2008-04-06T02:01:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic has lost in her first WTA Final in 2008 against Serena Williams in 3 sets, 1:6 7:5 3:6. The match that lasted almost 2 and a half hours of epic battle was full of Jelena's (or was it Serena's) up and downs.

Serena was dominating for almost 1 hour and a half, won 6:1 first set, led 3:0 in second set having 2 break games advantage, and just when it looked the match is already finished, Jelena made a huge comeback, re-breaked, lowered Serena's lead to 3:2, 5:4.

Serena served for the match but due to series of errors she did not manage to win a single point, and made it 5:5 in games. Jelena was down 0:40 in the next game, though managed to win it and took a lead for the first time in second set 6:5. After yet another not so well Serena's service game, Jelena won set 7:5.

At that moment it looked Jelena is in the commanding seat of the match, she had a great support from the crowd with many local Serbs there, Serena seemed to have lost her play, Jelena won over Serena in this year's and last year's Australian Open without losing a set, all facts were going to Jelena's favore, still...

Jelena lost service game at the start of 3rd set, was it exhaustion or that she cought a cold effects, just Jelena asked for medical time-out. She complained on problems with breathing and headache. Pause did no good for Jelena, soon Serena led 5:0.

Jelena continued to fight, lowered Serena's lead to 5:2, saving several match points during that span, in 8th game Serena led 40:0, Jelena won the next 4 points, then after Serena's 4th match point in that game, Jelena managed to win it and make it 5:3 after which Serena trashed her recket against the ground.

When it looked a miracle comeback is possible, 8 times Grand Slam winner Serena took 40:0 lead, 40:30 and finished the game/set/match. Noise Serena made during each smatch showed how much effort she put in winning the title in the tournament that is only about 15 minutes drive away from her home.

In the end, Serena had 3 times more 'winners' (48:16) and made 56 unforced errors in compare to Jelena's 44. With the win at Miami Open Jelena could have reached World #2 position in the WTA Rankings, with the appearance in the Final Jelena cut the 500 difference behind Ana (Ivanovic) to half.

As for Serena, this is her 5th time to win the title at Miami Open, she is now tied for the all-time record with Steffi Graf whow was 5 time winner in the period from 1987-1996, while Serena previously did it in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007.

Serena earned $590.000 winning the title, Jelena $295.000 for playing in the Final.

Video: Jelena Jankovic - Reebok

2008-04-05T02:25:00.001-07:00

Miami Open: Jelena Jankovic In Final, Naturally :)

2008-04-04T01:04:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic is in the Final of Miami Open after win over Vera Zvonareva in straigth sets, 6:1 6:4. In the evening match that started 8pm local time (ETD, 2am CET) Jelena won against Vera with no problems and made the walk to the Final of the tournament many refer to as the '5th Grand Slam'.

During the match Jelena felt neck/upper back pain as she explains: 'I got a little bit stiff and I had a little bit of pain during the second set, but I think I will be fine. I will get some treatment now, and then tomorrow, loosen up a little bit, and that's it'.

Jelena: 'I've been working on my serve quite a lot, and been working on the getting stronger, especially my shoulder, so it's not surprising that I'm a little bit tightening up, but that's what I have to do in order to get better, in order to get stronger'.

Jelena: 'And I'm really excited to be in the finals here for the first time. I think I played some good tennis tonight, even though it's very difficult to play, you know, at 10:00, 10:00 p.m. and be 100% and move as well as I can do at night, where I felt, you know, sometimes I can be a little bit sleepy out there and a little bit slower than usual'.

Jelena: 'But I tried to and especially being a little bit sick it obviously doesn't help, but I was really focused out there. I tried to hit as much as I can, you know, dictate the points. I served pretty well, especially those last two games. The serve was the main shot that helped me win the match, and I was really happy with that, with that part'.

Jelena: 'But obviously, you know, during the night, the conditions are a lot different, because the balls are fluffier and the points get a lot longer than during the day. Some of the shots you hit would normally be winners, and then at night it's not. You can still get them back. So the rallies are a lot longer. It's tougher work out there. But I managed to do it, and I'm happy to win the match and looking forward to my final against Serena'.

Jelena talked about her first match in the tournament when she was close to exit saving opponent's 5 match points: 'I didn't really expect the tough match from the first round, and that's why maybe I underestimated my opponent'.

Jelena: I thought it won't be such a tough match for me. But I played so badly that, you know, I got into trouble, and that was the big, big problem for me, the issue. But I don't want to think about that. I got through this match. It was a good experience. It was a good thing for my confidence to get through this match in that way, and then now playing with the way I'm playing now, it's really amazing, so I just hope to continue like that, like this'.

Jelena's thoughts on the upcoming match with Serena Williams: 'Last time we played was Melbourne in the quarterfinal, which I won in two sets. It was ‑‑ I don't remember what, 6‑3, 6‑4, something. I remember that I was really playing really well.

Jelena: 'That was my best match at the Australian Open, but I have to really go out there and really play aggressive tennis. It's very important to return well against her, and as well, to serve, to hold serves, because it's very difficult to break her. And just go for my shots and it will be a good fight, hopefully good match'.

Jelena: 'I've played against her many times. I've beaten her many times before, so I know how to play against her and know what to expect from her. But I also know that I really have to play good tennis in order to win, because she's a great champion and a tough opponent to beat'.

Jelena: She's way stronger than me. I cannot compare to her. There's no doubt about that. But I will go out there and try to play my best tennis. It's final of a huge tournament. It's fifth biggest tournament, Sony Ericsson, it's amazing. So I will just try out there my best, and hopefully I can win the title'.

Jelena will now play in the Final against Serena Williams who overcame Svetlana Kuznetsova in the Semifinal in 3 sets, 3:6 7:5 6:3. Jelena and Serena played 5 times against each other and Jelena leads 3-2.

Serena's thoughts on the Final match: 'I don't feel tired or sore or anything at all. I don't feel ‑‑ I feel like I'm really fit. Even right now, I'm not tired. This is one of my favorite tournaments. I love playing here. All my friends come out. I promised tickets for Saturday, so I was, like, I can't lose. I've got to stay in there a little bit longer. It was mainly my motivation'.

Serena: 'I think I've played a great tournament, and I'm just happy to be still in it and doing the best I can do. As long as I'm doing the right thing on the court, I feel like I can come out on top, but I just have to make sure I'm doing what's right'.

Both Jelena and Serena live in Florida and feel at home, though it's Serena that has a house in Palm Beach Gardens so this will be as if she's having a 'home court advantage'. The match is on schedule tomorrow, Sunday April 05.

Jelena makes reaching the Quarterfinals and Semifinals of Tier I events look so easy as if it's 'everyweek's thing' and we hope she will easily won the Title as well.

Video: Jelena Jankovic Practicing At Miami Open 2008

2008-04-04T00:36:00.000-07:00

Miami Open: Jelena Jankovic Against Vera Zvonareva

2008-04-03T04:18:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic will play today, Thursday April 03, against Vera Zvonareva in the Semifinals. Vera won against Dinara Safina in a way she explains: 'It's always tough to play against Dinara, she's a great player. She's quite tall, you know. She has a good serve. So I had to hang in there, had to fight for every point, and I think I did it well and I was able to win key points. I'm really happy about that'.

Vera is World #20 but also World #8 in Race, her career high was World #9 place in 2004, she played Round 1 of Australian Open 2008 against Ai Suguyama when she retired in 2nd set.

Vera's this year's high-lights include Hobart (VS, IV, $175.000) Final in January where she retired before the match against Eleni Danilidou, Final in Doha (VS, I, $2.500.000) and Quarterfinals in Bangalore and Indian Wells so Vera is in a great form.

This is what Jelena thought about possible opponent from Vera-Dinara match: 'I think both of the players Zvonareva and Safina are tough players, solid players. I really have to go out there and play my game. I don't really have to worry too much about them. I have to see what I can do in order to win'.

Jelena's thoughts on the next few days in Miami: 'Win two more matches. I think that's all I need to do. It's so easy to say, but it's always very hard to do. I want to focus one match at a time. I have tough opponent in my next round, and tomorrow night I play at 9:00 again, which is something that I don't really, you know, like. But that's just the way it has to be'.

Jelena: 'Just go out there and try to play aggressive tennis. I've been working quite hard. I feel like I'm getting stronger. I'm getting more defined. My legs are getting a little more stronger and my arms as well'.

Jelena: 'I feel like I'm doing a lot of progress, which is the most important thing. Winning or losing, you know, maybe at the moment it's important, but also to keep improving, to work on some certain segments of your game, it's important as well. I think I'm doing that, and I'm on the right track'.

Oh, and the inevitable theme, the dress she played in, Jelena: 'That dress was quite unique. That dress was especially designed for me. It was made out of approximately 700 Z750 Sony Ericsson phones, which was quite amazing. It was quite delicate and quite a work of art really'.

Jelena: 'The back was open. It was made out of phone covers and like camera lenses and I buttons here and as well as on my shoes. They were with Swarovski crystals and the whole look was quite nice. Beautiful dress. It was very uncomfortable because I couldn't sit with all that plastic all over. It was interesting. First ever dress ever to be made out of phones, so I had a cool experience from it'.

Vera's thoughts on the upcoming match against Jelena: 'We had tough matches. I remember the final. It was ‑‑ it was a good final. Good fight. She's obviously a great player. She's always fights. She stays in the matches'.

Vera: 'You know, it's very difficult to play against her, but it's another day tomorrow, and we'll see. You know, I'm going to go out there and going to try my best, gonna find a way to, you know, to try to win that match tomorrow'.

Jelena is a favorite to win against Vera and make it to the Miami Open Final (tournament many refer to as the 5th Grand Slam). Jelena continues tramendeous consistency of good results this season, this time Jelena had some luck in the draws, she was not in the same part of the draw tree with Justine Henan, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Williams Sisters, Maria Sharapova missed the tournament due to injury and Ana (Ivanovic) lost early.

After losing in Semifinals of first Grand Slam of the season, Jelena will now play for a place in the Final of so-called '5th Grand Slam' of the seasons Miami Open, and possible match against Justine Henan or Serena Williams.

Video: Jelena Jankovic Against Elena Dementieva, Miami Open 2008

2008-04-03T04:16:00.000-07:00

Miami Open: Jelena Jankovic In Semifinals

2008-04-03T03:42:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic made it to the Semifinals after a win over Elena Dementieva not in the way Jelena hoped it to be as Elena retired during 2nd set due to injury. Jelena lead 1:0 in sets, 6:1 in games, and led in 2nd set 3:1 in games when Elena retired due to back pain.

Jelena was dominating the first set, started with a 3:0 lead, then lost service game for 3:1, later won all games and set on the second set point. In the 2nd set, Jelena made a break for 3:1 lead, after which Elena retired.

Jelena: 'I think I played pretty good tennis, especially in the first set. I was really dictating the points. I thought that I played quite well. I didn't let her play her game. I really put my ‑‑ it was my game overall that was out there on the court, and I was really happy with that'.

Jelena: 'But unfortunately she stopped the match in the middle of the second set, and there's nothing I could do. But I was really focused out there. I was executing my shots well. I was really doing the right things and playing pretty well tactically'.

Jelena: 'I have a cold. I got a cold again for some reason. There's some cold going around here with players, and the rest of the, you know, the guests and the coaches and et cetera. So I'm more focussed than usual because I know that I'm not 100 percent with my health'.

Jelena: 'I'm coughing a lot. My nose is running. But really when I go on court I don't really think about that. I just think about playing one point at a time, what is my game plan, what do I have to do in order to win? I've been doing quite well'.

Jelena: 'I just got antibiotics last night. Finally they gave it to me, because they always wanted ‑‑ they always think that you can get over it naturally, but it takes so long. I've been suffering the last, I don't know how many days'.

Jelena: 'So finally I got on antibiotics, and hopefully I'll be fine in a couple of days. I felt a little bit weak here and there. What can I do? I have to go through and have to be strong. It's okay. No problem'.

Jelena: 'I never played well here, and as well as Indian Wells. Those tournaments I never really could find my game, and always had trouble playing well. But now this has changed this year. I played semis at Indian Wells and I'm playing semis tomorrow night, and hopefully I don't want to stop'.

Jelena: 'I'm playing well at this tournament. I've been working very hard. I feel like I'm playing better and better each time. My game is going to the next level, which is important. Hopefully I can step it up and go further'.

Jelena: 'When I'm playing I always try to finish the match and try to complete it no matter what. But some players, they don't want to risk ‑‑ it's individual, but that's her choice. I don't want to comment on her, what kind of injuries she has, how she felt on the court. I went out there, I did my job, and I'm happy with the win. I'm in semifinal, and that's the most important thing'.

Jelena: 'I'm fighting. I'm sick, you know. I cannot play; I cannot breathe on the court. I cannot play. I don't want to go on the court. But I'm hanging in there and trying to be strong, trying to get over the cold, and that's the most important thing'.

Jelena: 'The last couple of days have been really exhausting for me, because I played three days in a row. I played that night where I finished at 12:30 in the morning, and then couldn't go to bed until 2:30 in the morning. Then played, I don't know, several hours later, I played my fourth round, and then I only had a day off yesterday, which was good'.

Jelena: 'But I'm hanging there. It took a lot out of me. Especially that first match was really tough mentally. To come back after being down 5‑1, I don't know, five or six match points. It was a scary feeling, you know, just thinking that I may be over, you know, with this tournament, that it's the end of it. But I was really strong mentally and was able to get through that match, which gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the tournament'.

Jelena: 'Normally in the big tournaments we have one day we play and the next day we don't play. Here we have three days in a row where we played, and especially I played the second match after 8:00 at night. I had to play the next day, which I think can be quite tough for the players, you know, to recover. You cannot go to bed until really late in the morning, and then you have to play the match several hours later and you're quite exhausted.

Jelena: 'I played a three‑hour match, and I had to come back here the next day. It was several hours later I'm playing against Safarova, which was another tough match. But I was able to come through all of this and I'm in the semifinal; there's no point to complain'.

Elena said she started feeling lower back pain the day before the match (2 days ago) and that Jelena has what it takes to make win the title.

Elena: 'She (Jelena) has the whole package of the game. She's moving well, has a good forehand, backhand. Whole game is very solid. She's very relaxed on the court and enjoys playing. She's a very tough opponent'.

While Jelena has been Top #3 or #4 for some time now, it still looks subreal with what ease she is making it to the Quarterfinals and Semifinals of each tournament she particates in, she must be the player who played the most Quarterfinals of Tier I (including Grand Slam) event. Every player outside Top 5 would have it in the high-light of the year box to reach what Jelena is achieving tournament after tournament.

Miami Open: Jelena Jankovic In The Quarterfinals

2008-04-01T02:35:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic is in the Quarterfinals after a win againt Jie Zheng in 2 sets, 6:4 7:5. Jelena, #4 seed, had tu put a bit more effort for the win than in her previuos match, still shows she is great form.

Jie, World #117 who eliminated Amelie Mouresmo in earlier Round, was equal match to Jelena in early part of the match, all until 9th game when Jelena made a break and eventually won the set 6:4.

After 4 games of second set and Jelena's 3:1 lead, it looked like Jelena is off to yet another easy win, though Jie made it 3:3 in games, 5:5. In the end, Jelena won second set 7:5 and match in 97 minutes.

Jelena will now play against Elena Dementieva, World #11. Jelena and Elena played against each other 5 times, Jelena won at Australian Open (hard) R128 in 2004, US Open (hard) Quarterfinals in 2006, Rome (clay) Quarterfinals in 2007, Elena won at New Heaven (hard) Quarterfinals in 2004 and Los Angeles (hard) Final in 2006.

Elena is a great form as well, she won Dubai (Tier I) some 3 weeks ago and skipped Indian Wells. She did not much problems against Sabine Lisicki (World #137) in previous round with the win in straigth sets, 6:3 6:2.

We wish Jelena to win and not to get over-exhausted, with Elena being the ultimate baseliner playing long points, and Jelena facing the toughest opponent up to now in Miami, it may easily be a 2+ hours match. The match is on schedule tomorrow, Wednesday April 2nd, not before 1pm local time (EDT, 19.00 Central European Time)

Miami Open: Jelena Jankovic Won Against Lucie Safarova

2008-03-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic was more than convincing against Lucie Safarova in Round 3 match in winning in two sets, 6:2 6:1. In contrast to first match in the tournament against Sofia Arvidsson when Jelena needed to save 5 match points, this time #3 seed gave no chances for eventual surprise in a match against Lucie.

Jelena served good and did not lose a single service game, while making 2 breaks per set for a place in the next round. Jelena will now play against Jie Zheng, 24 year old from China current World #174 in Singles, Jie is mainly a Doubles players where she is currently World #15.

Jelena and Jie played 3 times with Jelena leading 2-1, Jelena won in Vienna (clay) in 2003 and Tokyo (carpet) in 2007, while Jie won in Beijing (hard) in 2005. The match will start not before 1.40pm local time.

Off-court, Jelena made a surprising visit to Margaret Lumia for a one hour hit at the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne to give her support to the Gullikson Foundation, on Thursday March 27th. Here is what Jelena said on that occasion:

'Coming out to play with Margaret was something I was happy to do. Giving back to the sport of tennis, especially when a charity such as the Tim & Tom Gullikson Foundation is involved, is important to me and something I look forward to continuing to support in the future'.

Margaret and her husband Dave Lumie are supporters of Swingtime - a pro celebrity pro-am tennis & golf tournament benefiting the Tim & Tom Gullikson foundation (funds care and supports programs to assist brain tumor patients). Swingtime has now raised more than $1 million for the Gullikson Foundation that was established in 1995.

In the news going around Miami Open, notable players that are already out of the tournament include Ana (Ivanovic), Nicole Vaidisova, Anna Chakvetadze, Alize Cornet, Daniela Hantuchova, Amelie Mouresmo... Players that are in the Quarterfinals, among all, are: Justine Henan, Elena Dementieva and Williams sisters.

Miami Open: Ana Ivanovic Lost Against Lindsay Davenport

2008-03-31T04:19:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic lost Round 3 match against Lindsay Davenport in two sets, 4:6 2:6, in a match that lasted only 1 hour and 17 minutes. Ana was pretty much the inferior player through the match losing 6 out of 9 service games.

Lindsay, who started playing professional tennis when Ana was 5 years old, won a little under 50% of points on Ana's first serve and over 70% won points on Ana's second serve.

Ana was #2 seed at Miami Open but Lindsay, winner of 55 tournaments in her career, proved to be in a great form. Lindsay said she won't be participating in the clay season tournaments including Roland Gaross and put all her strainght in Miami Open matches.

Here is what Ana and Lindsay had to say after the match, Ana about playing against Lindsay: 'It was a little bit. Obviously, first time you play against someone you try to, you know, get to know them and try to get rhythm in the beginning'.

Ana: 'But against her you just don't get it. She was playing extremely well. She had always the first hit on her ball. It was kind of disappointing for me. I had chances in the beginning and didn't use them. Just my intensity wasn't up there today. When you play against such a champion, you need to be on the ball for each point'.

Ana: 'I must say I haven't played against many players who can return so well and so deep, so she puts a lot of pressure on my serve. So then I try to go for a little bit more. Try to put more first serves in. Try to roll it a little bit more so I have to take off the speed. That's, obviously, what she wants and I don't want. But it was the case today. Yeah, she just played better'.

Ana: 'Today on the court she was the better one. You know, she deserved to win. My service wasn't going so well, and I had quite a few unforced errors. Yeah, like I said, she was the better player today, and I hope we get a chance to play again'.

Ana: 'She played like a top 10 player easily today. She won Grand Slams before, and she was the No. 1 player. So she has the game. Today she played very well. So, you know, I'm glad to see her back, and I hope she can do well'.

Ana: 'These days there are so many girls that are hitting really powerful, and they try to dominate the game. But with her it was different. You know, she was playing also very deep, which other girls usually don't play as deep. So after the serve I felt straightaway under pressure.

Ana: 'It was hard for me to direct the ball and control the court. That is something that she does really well. So, yeah, I know these things I have to learn and to improve and practice on it, because in the future, maybe I'll have a chance to play against her again'.

Ana: 'It's also important to make a smart scheduling and don't play too many tournaments in a row, because you just can't keep the level through many weeks. So that's something, you know, I'm experiencing for one of the first times. Definitely I learn from this, and it was a good achievement still. You know, I was pretty happy with last week. And this week, like I said, she was the better player today'.

Lindsay: 'We had a really, really long tough first game, and I didn't win that game. I thought like that was a really important game. It turned out that it wasn't that big a deal. I mean, I was playing really well. I felt really confident out there. Was hitting the ball well'.

Lindsay: 'I thought going in, I mean, obviously she's had a great year so far. But it's very tough to play Indian Wells and Miami back‑to‑back, doing well in Indian Wells. You can see on the men's side with Fish and Djokovic. I was trying to take advantage of that, obviously'.

Lindsay: 'You never know what your opponent will bring, but I could tell she was maybe a little fatigued, and I tried to take advantage of that. I was really excited to play someone at the top. Someone that I hadn't played before, and someone kind of up and coming.

Lindsay: 'She's been around for a few years, but obviously she's young and very good. But in this comeback, I felt like I ‑‑ for lack of better words, I've not made a fool of myself. I've done pretty well for my age and for what I've been through. Obviously, days like today just give me more intensive to keep going'.

Lindsay: 'So today's obviously the biggest win I've had since coming back. It's quite rewarding. But having said that, I've got to come right back out tomorrow and play another girl in the top I think 15 or 16. Got to play at a high level again'.

Lindsay: 'I had a few minor setbacks, like not winning the first game. I was serving at 3‑0, 40‑Love, and got broken and quickly had to change the momentum back in my favor again. Today I was able to do that. Some days it doesn't always go like that'.

Ana's words on the upcoming clay season and health condition of her ankle:

Ana: 'On the clay the matches are a little bit longer, so, you know, you've got to match more longer rallies. But my fitness coach has done a great job. I believe in his work and what he does with my fitness, so I have to keep working hard. I have a big clay court season coming up, and I'm looking forward to it. But now I'll have some time off to rest and to recover and start working again'.

Ana: 'The first tournament is Berlin. Obviously, I have Fed Cup at the end of April, and then the first tournament will be Berlin, Rome, and then French Open. Playing on clay, obviously, you have to maybe win points more than once, you know, during the rallies. So that's something I have to learn from last year to keep it going this year. Just, yeah, be patient, and still work hard for each point'.

Ana: 'It's just prevention (ankle). I haven't had any pain for a few weeks now, so I was really happy to be recovered so fast'.

Ana also commented on Novak's (Djokovic, ATP #3) early exit at Miami Open where he was the titlist from last year: We haven't had chance to talk about it. We're both very busy. But I understand also for him, it was, obviously very disappointing to lose. You know, he's defending champion. But just he's also very young, and he's also learning.

Ana: 'You have to come back here and perform well and play, you know, really good tennis from the first chance. And opponents are very motivated to beat you and to perform better because they have nothing to lose, and they just play some great tennis. Obviously, it's tougher for the top players. But, hey, that's why they are the top players'.

Ana's word about Sven Groenefeld (her coach): 'He's helped me a lot. He gave me great support, and I'm so lucky and happy to have him on my side and to be working with him. Because since last year when I started spending more time with him on the court, I felt I improved a lot. He's very experienced, and he gave me a lot of advices.

Ana: 'He's been with the players before that won a Grand Slam and that won a big tournament, so that's definitely something I can learn from him. And I'm looking forward to see him again to work'.

Ana: 'I definitely have good communication with him and I trust him a lot, and it's not easy, as you said. It's not easy when I have to play another adidas player, because he obviously cannot advise me how to beat them. He can't sit in the box or he can't be there to support me, although we practice before'.

Ana: 'So it is a little bit tough, you know, especially, for example, last year when I played against Justine in the final of French. It was such a big moment for me, and yet he couldn't be there. It's tough, but that's the way it has to be. We just have to get the positives'.

Ana lost and it's that bit disappointing for her not to reach at least Quarterfinals of the tournaments she participates in considering she's World #2 and either #2 or #1 seed, still Ana had teriffic North American season up to now, winning Indian Wells, now reaching a step more in Miami than last year.

Taking in consideration Ana's fatig after Indian Wells, and Lindsay's great perfomance, this loss was not a major stepback. Most important, Ana does not prefer any surface so she can perform equally good in the upcoming clay season that starts with the tournaments after Miami Open in two weeks from now mid of April.

Miami: Jelena Jankovic Made A Huge Comeback In Round 2

2008-03-30T04:24:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic put much more effort in win over Swede Sofia Arvidsson than it was exected from World #3 in her first match in tournament. As a matter a fact, Jelena achieved a little miracle in a win against World #63.

Jelena was trailing 1:5 in 3rd set and eventually won the match 2:1 in sets, 6:7 (7:9) 6:2 7:6(11:9), that lasted 2 and a half hours, with only 3rd set lasting 67 minutes.

Jelena was close to destiny of her compatriot Novak (Djokovic, ATP World #3) who saw early exit from Miami Open in Round 2, still with increadable fight and will to win Jelena managed to find her way up from almost the lost situation.

Jelena made 56 'winners', but also the same number of unforced errors. In first set, both players made 2 breaks, and the Swede had more nerves in 13th game for a win. Second set was all about Jelena and soon it was 1:1 in sets.

In 3rd set, Sofia put her play to the maximum and achieved 5:1 lead. Jelena was known to be able to lose almost a won match when leading 5:1 herself but this time she was the one to rise up and make a huge comeback.

In great style, Jelena won the next 4 games, made it to the tie-break which she won 11:9, after Sofia having 5 match points. Maybe Jelena felt too much at home in Miami having a house there. Anyway, she will be on court today, Sunday March 30th, against Lucie Safarova.

Lucie is World #39 with the career high in Singles at #22 in August 2007. She reached Round 1 in this year's Australian Open and lost against Ashley Harkleroad in Indian Wells R64 in 3 sets, 6:7(2) 6:2 4:6.

Jelena played against Lucie on two occassions and both won. Lucie won in her previous two matches in Miami Open against S. Cirstea 2:0 and K. Knapp 2:1. The match will start not before 2pm local time.

Video: Jelena Jankovic March WTA Photoshoot

2008-03-30T04:09:00.000-07:00

Miami Open: Ana Ivanovic Wins In Round 2, Next Lindsay Devenport

2008-03-30T03:52:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic won in her first match at Miami Open against French Emilia Loa with almost as easy win as it can be in two sets, 6:2 6:1, in only 47 minutes. Ana confirmed she's in great form and made Round 2 match look like a practice rathe than a competitive match.

Ana gave Emilia little chances for win in this match, Ana started the match by making a break, then another one... and after only 20 minutes she won the set 6:1. Second set went similar to first one and after 27 minutes Ana won it 6:2.

Ana will now play against former #1 Lindsay Devenport who is currently at #33 position. Interestingly, they never played against each other, Ana said:

'It's going to be a very tough match. Growing up I saw her winning in Grand Slams and she's such a great player and great champion, So I expect a very tough match tomorrow. I admire her what she achieved, and also coming back and winning tournaments. So that's great.

'I just have to still be focused. I have a great tournament behind me, and I'm playing well at the moment. So in tomorrow's match I have to approach it as if it's a final and try to play like that'.

Well, that tomorrow is today, Sunday March 30th, Ana's match is #11 on today's agenda and will not start before 2.30pm local time. Lindsay won in Round 1 against C. Pin in straigth sets. Prior to Miami Open, in Indian Wells, Lindsay won against . G. Dulko, Y.J. Chan, M. Bartoli and retired against Jelena (Jankovic) after losing first set.

Ana talking about Miami Open in compare to Indian Wells: 'It's like a new tournament. I had few times a few days off. Obviously, the time difference is a little bit hard. So you need some time to adjust as well'.

'But it's completely different feeling here. The balls are different, the courts, the wind. It's humid, there it was really dry. So I really approach it like a new tournament. I want to focus on each match separately, and try to keep the level up'.

Lindsay: 'I hope Ivanovic, Ana wins. It's one of the few top players I've never played, and that's what I look forward to most about this come back. You know, I've played Venus and Serena and Justine and those players so many times. It would be refreshing to play someone new'.

Lindsay: 'I have a ton of respect for her. I think she's a great competitor, great player. I think that she is one of the nicest players off the court and very down to earth. She's got a very big game. I watched her play in Australia, especially the match against Daniela. I guess I was home that night watching that. But obviously big groundstrokes, a big serve'.

Lindsay: 'She looks like she's in a lot better shape than two years ago. She moves around the court pretty well. So it's going to be fun to play someone ‑ I think she's 2 in the world now ‑ and she's had a great year so far'.

Ana is a light favorite for win in the match against Lindsay and we hope she will be up to everyone's expectations.

Ana Ivanovic Receives Two Awards

2008-03-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic received 2 awards in Miami during the WTA ceremony of awarding the best players in 2007 season. Ana won award for the most improved player and the prestigeous Karen Krantzcke Sportmanship Award given to the most sportsmanlike player on the WTA Tour.

This is the second time that Ana received the award for most improved player (first one in 2005 season), Ana won 3 WTA tournaments last year and played Roland Gaross final. Ana won the award ahead of Jelena Jankovic, Anna Chakvetadze and Sybille Bammer.

Ana: 'It's been an amazing year, I have a bad memory of playing here last year, and it's incredible when I think of everything that has happened since. I'm very proud, but I want to go further and get to No.1."

The Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award is voted for by the players is awarded in honor of Karen Krantzcke, Top 10 tennis players who died tragically at the age of 30.

Ana: 'It's always a great feeling to win an award, but this one is a little bit more special because it was voted for by the players I am competing against. "I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me for both awards'.

Larry Scott, WTA Tour chief executive: 'It is a fantastic achievement for Ana to be recognised not only by the media for her on-court achievements, but by her peers for the way she conducts herself on and off the court'.

As for other awards, Justine Henan was voted for 'best player of the year', Agnes Szavay 'newcomer of the year', Lindsay Davenport 'comeback player of the year', Liezel Huber 'player service award winner', Cara Black & Lieziel Huber 'doubles team of the year'.

Ana's match is the last one on schedule (prime-time:) in women's competition today and will not start before 3.30pm local time.

Rafael Nadal Flew Ana Ivanovic In His Airplane :)

2008-03-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Rafael Nadal, in a manner of a latino charmer, decided to take a private jet to travel from Indian Wells to Miami, and yes, he had 1 place free. His 'pick' was World #2 as himself just in WTA competition, Ana Ivanovic.

So if you're pretty and successful young woman, Rafael will find a place for you in his private flight, oh my God Rafael is a player on and off the court :) Ana accepted and they flew to Miami... pretty much that's the end of story :)

Talking about top ATP players in regards to Ana, this is what Roger Federer, by some one of the best tennis players in history, had to say in an interview earlier this week in Miami where he talked about Novak Djokovic:

'I am also proud of 'our' Ana who is a Basel representative, as myself. I congratulate her on success at Indian Wells I and wish her to reach no.1 spot in WTA Rankings after Wimbledon where she belongs. My Mirka (Roger's girlfriend, former WTA tennis player) is a big fan of Ana, and she follows all of her matches with great interest'.

Miami Open: Possible Ana Ivanovic - Jelena Jankovic Semifinal Again!?

2008-03-25T16:23:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic could match up in yet another Masters Series Semi-final in last than 2 weeks time, this time in Miami. Ana is #2 seed, Jelena #3 and both will be free in Round 1.

Miami Open, officially Sony Ericsson Open, will see Ana play against the winner of Virginia Ruano Pasqual (Spain) - Emillia Loa (France) match in Round 2, while Jelena awaits the winner of match between Swede Sofia Arvidsson and a qualifier.

Full of confidence after winning Indian Wells, Ana will in her part of the draw tree have potentional opponents such as Lindsay Devenport and Dinara Safina up to Round 4, in the Quarterfinals Ana could face Daniela Hantuchova, Nicole Vaidisova and Vera Zvonreva.

Jelena could await in Round 3 Italian Knapp, Czech Safarova and Romanian Kirstea, then Amelie Mouresmo or Nadia Petrova. Possible opponents in the Quarterfinals are Anna Chakvetadze, Alize Cornet, Elena Dementieva, Francesca Skiavone, Sania Mirza...

In all, there are realistic chances that we will see Ana and Jelena battling for the place in the Final. One must admit that A & J had some luck in the draw as in other half of the draw, aside World #1 Justine Henan are also sisters Williams and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Justine missed Indian Wells to get some rest while Williams sisters passed it due to personal reasons. Serena will be defending the title she won against Justine last yr in 3 sets, 0:6, 7:5, 6:3. Maria Sharapova will not participate in Miami because of the shoulder injury.

Jelena lost in Round 3 last year against Italian Mara Santangelo, Ana lost in even earlier in Round 2 against Yaroslava Schvedova, so A & J will have good opportunity to win additional WTA points with so little points to defend from last year.

It's like the sole excitement until the Semifinals is to see whether Jelena and Ana will play against each other again, and which one of them will compete for the title!? It makes Rounds 1-4 boring with one finalist 'almost' already known but A & J are lately flourishing with so many great plays, confidence and self-assurance that those feelings overwhelm the fans as well :)

Ana - Jelena Miami Semifinal? Ok!

Video: Ana Ivanovic Indian Wells 2008 Cup Ceremony

2008-03-25T16:21:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic Ahead Of Miami Open

2008-03-25T02:34:00.000-07:00

After winning Master Series Tournament in Indian Wells, Ana Ivanovic is now targetting world #1 position. Ana saw early exit in Miami Open last year when she lost in Round 2 so she will now have no points to defend and each win in Miami will bring her a step closer to World #1 Justine Henan.

In previous years, WTA tennis was about Justine Henan vs. Kim Clijsters, vs. Maria Sharapova, vs. Amelie Mourezmo fighting for the titles, now it's Justine Henan vs. Ana Ivanovic.

Ana's words ahead of Miami Open: 'My goal is clear. I want to make another step towards #1 position. It's good that I don't defend points from Miami but I know there are a lot of players who are equal candidates for victories, also for Wrold #1 position'.

Ana first played in Miami in 2005 reaching the Quarterfinals, a year later she made it to the Quarterfinals. Last year she was free in Round 1 but suffered a surprising loss in Round 2.

Ana: 'The turnaround of my career happened last year in North American tour when I played inconsistantly. When I returned to Europe, I won Berlin, then made it to Roland Gaross Final and Wimbledon Semi-final. Everything happened fast and I had problems to absorb it'.

Ana: 'During winter break I had enough time to put all things on their places and see what I have done right and what I need to improve. So I finally realized I was a top player and with the right I am contender for top positions'.

Ana: 'I want to enjoy this victory and have a couple days of relaxing and maybe light practice. The good thing is I have almost a week to recover for the next event. My goal is to continue strong next week in Miami. There are tough opponents even in the first few rounds and the nerves are a little bit more involved in the first few rounds. But coming from this tournament I have confidence'.

Ana: 'I want to enjoy for a few days the success I made, I will take good rest, though I believe the coaches will made me be back in light training. It's great that I will have almost entire week to rest and I believe I will enjoy tennis in Miami the same as in Indian Wells'.

Indian Wells: Ana Ivanovic Beats Svetlana Kuznetsova, Wins The Title

2008-03-23T15:39:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic won her career 6th WTA title after beating Svetlana Kuznetsova in two sets, 6:4 6:3. The match was all about Ana showing powerful performance, Svetlana was never in the driving seat.

Match lasted 1 hour and 21 minutes during which Svetlana managed to win only one Ana's service game. Ana now lead 5-1 against Svetlana in head-to-head matches. The match saw Ana making 30 'winners' in front of the 18.000 crowd in sunny Indian Wells.

In first set, both players kept service games until 8th game when Ana made a break for 5:4 lead, then won service game for 6:4. History did not repeat itself for Ana always to win against Svetlana in 3 sets when she made a break in 6th game of 2nd set for 4:3 lead, kept service game, made another break and won second set 6:3.

Hour after the victory, President and Premier of Ana's home country sent her congratulations for winning the title. President of Serbia: 'Once again you brought us joy and made us be utmost happy. I wish you many more such successes in the following career'.

Premier of Serbia: 'Serbia is proud on your triumph. You showed how it is to play for your country, for Serbia'. Ana and Svetlana's press conference:

Ana: 'It's a great victory for me, we always have tough matches. I think we both played good tennis from first point on, and I was really happy with that. We both kept level for most of the match. When I managed to break her at 4-all in the first set it gave me confidence, and I went strong from that point on. I realized that's what I had to do. I'm happy I managed to do that again later on'.

Svetlana: 'She wasn't giving me any free points and she was attacking. You feel like it's her day, like everything goes her way... I was trying to be there and play every point, and she just played better today'.

Svetlana played in last year's Indian Wells Final as well when she lost to Daniela Hantuchova, now she lost 8th out of her last 9 WTA finals. Ana won her 3rd Tier I level title, after Montreal and Berlin in 2006. During the tournament Ana lost only 1 set against Francesca Schiavone.

Ana: 'It's such a strong field and still I'm No. 1 seeded, obviously more pressure comes into the play. The first few matches I was more nervous, but then I just started to focus on each match and not even think about who I play against... So thinking technically what I have to do and as the tournament was going on and on, I played better'.

Svetlana: 'In every final, there's also another player who plays; I have had different and better chances (referring to the lost finals this season at Sydney and Dubai against Henin and Elena Dementieva), Justine and I played an amazing final and I had chances against Elena too. Today I didn't have that many chances'.

Svetlana: 'She always plays good in first set, but this time she was no less good in the second set as well. Every time she sent 'winners' on line. Every time on line, on line, on line. It's always painful to lose, but I prefer to get to the final losing than to lose in second round I still played a pretty good tournament.'

Out of fun, some referred Indian Wells as Serbian Wells with Novak Djokovic (Ana's compatriot) winning the title in men's competition. Contratulations to Ana for winning the title in Indian Wells, it would be even better winning the title in upcoming Miami as well, then Amelia Island... win them all, no time for modesty :)

Video: Ana Ivanovic Wins Indian Wells 2008

2008-03-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic Heads Home

2008-03-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

After losing to Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic heads home to Florida. Jelena is a bit dissappointed, interestingly almost as if she lost in Round 2 or 3, and this was a Semi-final of a Masters Series Tournament, only the biggest thing after the Grand Slams.

It tells about Jelena's spirit of a champion, never to give up and never to satisfy with nothing but being #1. The bright spot Jelena found in her play in Indian Wells is that she feels her game is progressing and she will continue to work hard on her serve and other segments of the game.

Jelena also puts poweful display in media for on and off court WTA #1 :) She features on all WTA events, fashion shows, is often blogger for WTA, she's loved by fans and always receives a great welcome no different was in Indian Wells.

Jelena will now head home to Florida landing in Miami, it's Easter time and hopefully JJ will find a fan in the airways companies to squeeze her and her team in some flight.

Jelena will be spend her time home, that is actually only a day or two with the Sony Ericsson Open starting next week, with her family, there will be awaiting her dad, young brother, dog, while her older brother stayed in Belgrade.

Some fun facts about Jelena: favorite drink in the USA: smoothies mostly with fruit but is becoming attracted to peanut butter as well. One thing Jelena would take to an island is: a nice looking guy!!!

Jelena drives Hyundai Santa Fe jeep in Serbia as she is a promoter for Hyundai in home country, in Miami she drives a 2008 Porsche 911 and finds it more convenient driving in the USA with big roads. With roads in Serbia being smaller and people driving faster, usually someone drives her in home country, Jelena explains 'I just don't want to scratch any cars'.

Jelena equally loves Indian Wells and Miami tournaments being compeletely different, Indian Wells quiet and relaxed, Miami busy and electric, plus very crowded. Jelena has a house in Miami so she stays at home when playing in the tournament.

Miami (Key Biscayne) Tournaments starts on Monday, March 24th.

Indian Wells: Ana Ivanovic In The Final, Jelena Jankovic Out

2008-03-22T05:16:00.000-07:00

After the match that is always certain to be different than others, better between the two Serbs from Belgrade was Ana Ivanovic against Jelena Jankovic in 2 sets, 7:6 6:3. In a superb Semifinal match, Ana was that little better to be in opportunity to play tomorrow, Sunday March 23nd, for Indian Wells title.

First set was equal as it can be until tie-break when Ana blew away Jelena with 6:0 lead, after which Jelena managed to win 3 points but no more to make it 7:3. Second set saw crucial moment happen at 1:1 in games when Ana made a break.

Ana never lost her service games and with a few spectacular shots finished the set 6:3. This is what A & J had to say after the match:

Ana: 'Every final you make, it's always very special. This is a big tournament. I'm really proud the way I played this week. I'm definitely very excited to be in final and looking forward to that match'.

Jelena: I think it was a difficult match, I think the main strokes for me, the serve and the return, I wasn't able to do very well. When we started the rally I felt like I had the control, but unfortunately in the tiebreak I made a lot of errors and just let that go'.

Ana is Indian Well' #1 seed, Svetlana #2, both have proved their quality reaching the Final. Svetlana played last year in Indian Wells' Final where she lost to Daniela Hantuchova. Ana has a 5-3 record in Tour Finals. Ana and Svetlana will be fighting for their first title in Indian Wells and first title in 2008

Ana: 'Kuznetsova is a really good player with very powerful shot. This is why it's important for me to take initiative from the start and not let it go until the end of the match.

Svetlana: 'For me it's very important because I've been to the finals and I know what's [it is] to play it... I think this time I can get it better. I will need to put myself out there and play my game. Not think about something else'.

Svetlana: 'Both can win, because we're all top 4, top 3 players in the world. So it's 50/50. Nobody has much priority to win, so we just play. Anything can happen'.

Ana and Svetlana are good friends. Svetlana doesn't need special introduction, she's currently #3 and has been switching places #2 and #3 in WTA rankings with Ana lately. Svetlana overcame Maria Sharapova in her Semifinal match in 3 sets, 6:3 5:7 6:2 to hand over Maria first loss in 2008 after 18 consecutive wins.

Ana leads 4-1 in matches against Svetlana, Ana won in Miami 2005 (hard surface, 6:3 3:6 7:5), Berlin 2007 (clay, 3:6 6:4 7:6(4)), French Open 2007 (clay, 6:0 3:6 6:1) and Tour Championships 2007 (carpet surface, 6:1 4:6 7:5), Svetlana won in Sydney 2006 (hard surface, 7:6(3) 6:3).

The match will start 1pm local time, Ana is pronounced to be a bit slighter favorite to win the title. Ana lost in the Final of first Gland Slam of the season against Maria Sharapova, now she will play to win the Final of season's first Master Series Tournament.

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic Wins Lindsay Davenport, Semifinal Against Ana Ivanovic

2008-03-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic is in the Semifinals of Indian Wells (yikes, feels so easy and natural to say:) after the win in the last WTA Quarterfinal match of the day, Lindsay Davenport retired prior to start of 2nd set after Jelena won first one 6:2 in 24 minutes of play.

Lindsay, one of two moms (along with Sybille Bummer) in the WTA Top 100 list, withdrawal came due to back pain. This match made a 4-2 record for Lindsay against Jelena. Jelena considers her own play in first set was quite satisfying.

Lindsay: 'It was pretty obvious to me after two games that I was pretty sore out there, and it was quite hard to rotate. Obviously with playing tennis you need your rotation, so I tried to do the best I could. But sometimes these things happen, and when you're familiar with an injury, you kind of know right away what you're up against'.

Jelena was not aware of Lindsay's back pain problems until Lindsay called for the trainer, and the match soon ended. Jelena's tactics on how to lift the form are a bit different to those of other Top 10 players. Most Top players take a week off from participating in smaller tournaments to practice for the big Tier I events, Jelena looks to lift her form through the course of tournaments and would rather participate in a Tier II event than take a week off to practice with a coach.

The same tactics of lifting the form through the course of a tournament Jelena used in Indian Wells and it works well. She wasn't happy with her game when she came to Indian Wells (several days before suffered a surprising loss in Bangalore India being #1 seed and the only Top 5 player to take participation with others taking a week off), now Jelena feels after a week in Indian Wells her play is improving.

She is more happy and positive about her play, fully enjoys playing tennis and the whole atmosphere surrounding Indian Wells, her mom and friends are there (top shopping malls:), she's one of the top stars of the tournament, healthy, wins matches in a concincing manner..

All this comes after the first 3 months of 2008 that saw Jelena being bothered with injury problems, her mom's health problems, just 3 weeks ago in Doha and Dubai, Jelena looked nervous on the court, distracted and overall exhausted.

With Jelena it's about mental thoughness, being positive, never losing smile on your face and enjoying the game, that is where her mom contributes in her life following her on the tournaments and one of the reasons why Jelena is doing fine even without a permanent coach.

After the match against Lindsay, Jelena spent some more time on the court practicing with her hitting partner, she did a press conference, tried to save as much energy as possible and rest ahead of the Semifinal match, had a dinner in the hotel's restaurants with friends.

Jelena's cold has gotten a bit better. She feels that in today's, March 21st, match against Ana (Ivanovic) she needs to practice the same tactics she had against Lindsay, to be agressive in play and not allow opponent be in charge of the match.

Jelena talks about the match with Ana: 'For some reason, I don't have a good record against her, some players suit you more, some players don't. It's just the way it goes. But I've been working on my game the last 10 days or so, and I'm really feeling a lot better than I was in the beginning of the year, because at the moment I'm healthy... I have no injuries and I feel ready to train and get better. So I'm improving little by little. That's my main goal'.

We have written introduction to Ana - Jelena match in the previous blog post dedicated to Ana, this is the history of their previous 5 matches:

Zurich 2005, surface - hard, Ana at that time World #22, Jelena #21, R16, Ana won 6:2 6:1.
Los Angeles 2006, surface - hard, Ana World #19, Jelena #28, Quarterfinals, Jelena won 6:4 7:6(6).
Montreal 2006, surface - hard, Ana World #19, Jelena #21, R16, Ana won after Jelena's withdrawal.
Tokyo 2007, surface - carpet, Ana #16, Jelena #10, Quarterfinals, Ana won 3:6 6:4 6:2.
Amelia Island 2007, surface - clay, Ana World #17, Jelena #9, Ana won 7:5 6:3.
Los Angele 2007, surface - hard, Ana World #5, Jelena #3, Semifinals, Ana won 4:6 6:3 7:5.

The last time Ana and Jelena were together on court was in the Fed Cup Doubles in February 2008. For Ana and Jelena this is the first time to reach the Indian Wells Semifinals.

This will be all-Serb Semifinal, followed by all-Russian Semifinal Maria Sharapova - Svetlana Kuznetsova. The match will start not before 3pm local time, be sure to finish your daily agenda before than, both ranked in the Top 4, the only time Ana and Jelena can meet is in tournaments' Semifinals or Finals, one of those rare moments happens tonight :)

Video: Ana Ivanovic - Jelena Jankovic In Los Angeles 2007, 1/2 Final

2008-03-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

Indian Wells: Ana Ivanovic (Too) Easy Win In The Quarterfinals

2008-03-20T23:44:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic cruised to the Semifinals after easily beating Vera Zvonareva in straigth sets, 6:1 6:4. This was really a match to enjoy for Ana's fans, for those who didn't watch, there is not much to say other than it was Ana's yet another powerful performance in a match with little uncertainty on the final outcome.

Ana opened first set with 5:0 lead, got a set point on Vera's serve but didn't use it, for eventual 6:1 win in first set. Second set was equal until 4:4 when Ana had 3 break points and used the third chance for 5:4 lead, later won her service game for 6:4 and match victory.

Ana: 'I thought I played some best tennis since my matches here, so I was really happy about that, in the second set I had a break up and little bit lost concentration in that game, and start to get a little bit more emotional and trying to go for too much and lost my rhythm a little bit. But I was just happy that at the end of the second set I managed to keep calm and play good'.

Ana: 'Coming into this tournament obviously I felt a little more pressure being top seed, but I just try to not think about it. I know I have a game to beat anyone if I play well and if I do what I’m supposed to do out there. All these players that are in the draw, I beat them before, so obviously that gives me lots of confidence'.

Convincing win in the Quarterfinals is already a thing of the past, and the next Big thing is Semifinal match against... take a deep breath.. Jelena Jankovic! The girls will square against each other and our fan blog is guaranteed to have a representative in the Indian Wells Final :)

With not too many Ana - Jelena matches during the season, this is a not-every-month-opportunity and be sure to watch it. Usually we make an introduction on the player Ana plays against, now 'hey, it's Jelena', in this A & J fan blog you could have followed at what times in the morning Jelena gets up, what more you want to know!? :)

After the win against Vera, Ana was a bit 'cold' like perhaps she always is looking at prospects of playing against Jelena: 'When you reached this far, it's never easy. It can only get tougher than what it was in the Quarterfinals. Therefore, it matters little who will win Jelena or Lindsay. They are both great players'.

'Jelena and I played many times up to now and they were always close mathes. With Lindsey and never played and I would like to get that opportunity, to see how it's alike when she's on the other side of the net'.

Well the match does matter greatly, when Venus plays Serena Williams or Russians Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova meet up it drows great attention in their home countries, so will the match against Ana and Jelena bring huge crowd in front of the tv screens in Serbia.

Both Ana and Jelena always mentioned they want their country to be proud on them and this is one of the matches when the nation will be watching them, from their families, relatives to people who usually don't watch tennis but will watch this one that makes all the local headlines.

For Ana and Jelena fans, these are happy times at its best. Last year and the year before, Ana and Jelena were players in progress, they were breaking records, reaching new highs, now they are established Top 5 players defending Top player reputation, they cruised through early rounds or Indian Wells as if playing warm up matches, it was not before the Master Series Semifinals that they are to face the real challenge.

The winner will play against the winner of Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova match, Maria is given far better chances to progresses through, if she does, then either Ana or Jelena will face a player who did not lose a match in 2008.

This is the first time in Indian Wells' WTA history that all first 4 seeds made a place in the Semifinals.

'Serb Pack' that includes Ana, Jelena and Novak (Djokovic, ATP #3) has reached Indian Wells' Semifinals after powerful perfomances and little excitement on the outcome of their matches, only Ana lost a set against Francesca Schiavone, all other Ana-Jelena-Novak's matches ended with straigth sets wins, some of them 6:0 in games.

Ana is a slight favorite to win the match againt Jelena. More on the history of Ana - Jelena duels in the next blog post dedicated to Jelena ahead of the Semifinals. Good luck to you A & J in the match after which A & J fans will share no tears or smiles, an odd feeling for sure :)

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic Plays Against Mom, Not Hers

2008-03-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

Jelena Jankovic (a.k.a. JJ) will play today, Thursday March 20th, against Lindsey Devenport not before 2.30pm local time in the second WTA Quartefinal match of the day. Jelena used the day yesterday for recovery and relaxation, slept well, got up around 9am, had hairdresser put her fuscia extensions.

Jelena spent the rest of yesterday training, in light workout, healing cold, having 3massage therapists working on her at once, returned to the hotel in the afternoon, watched a bit of Nadal - Tsonga match, stayed resting in hotel even though her mom went shopping and friends played golf.

Jelena thinks it will be a difficult match to face Lindsey in the Quarterfinals with their last meeting taking place in Beijing 2007 that ended in Jelena's win. As Lindsey is coming back to the WTA Tour (after the birth of her first child), Jelena is not best met with how Linsey can perform and what to expect in the match.

JJ tactics will be to dictate the points or Lindsey will. JJ also watched Monica Seles on Dancing With The Stars last night, kind of girlish, plus the show was not about tennis (or football) and we'll close it here for the day.

All the best to you today JJ, it doesn't need to be yet another straigth sets win as long as it's a win :)

Indian Wells: Ana Ivanovic In The Quarterfinals

2008-03-19T04:06:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic made it to the Quarterfinals after beating Italian Francesca Schiavone in 3 sets, 2:6 7:5 6:2. Many people made a remark about it being no easy win but when you play in Round 4 of a Master Series Tournament against World #22, it's expected to face a fighting match against your opponent.

Ana lost first set 2:6, first lost set in this year's Indian Wells. Ana managed to put more power into her play, for eventual win 2:1 in sets. Ana will now be playing against Russian Vera Zvonareva who won over Australian Kasey Dellacqua, 6:7 6:0 6:4.

Ana and Vera, current World #21 and #12 seed, played 4 matches up to now with 2-2 record. Ana won in Warsaw in 2005, last season in Luxemburg, while Vera won last season in Australian Open and Charleston. Vera won 5 tournaments up to now, the same as Ana.

Vera's previous matches in Indian Wells also include victories over A. Rezai 2:1 in Round 1, G. Voskoboeva 2:0 in Round 2 and C. Dellacqua 2:1 in Round 3. The match is on schedule Thursday March 20th at 11am local time, and will be followed by Jelena Jankovic - Lindsey Devenport match.

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic's Another Victory In Straigth Sets

2008-03-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic is in the Quartefinals after all 2:0 wins in Indian Wells, this time against Anabel Medina Garrigues, 6:3 6:3 in 1 hour and 18 minutes of play. Players Jelena played against up to now were outside Top 30, she used the opportunity to achieve convincing wins in less than 80 minutes matches to avoid tiredness.

Once again Jelena's main problem was concentration, that is the lack of it, element of play Ana Ivanovic yesterday said she has worked on successfully in her play. It's Jelena's turn to work on it. Both sets Jelena started by losing service games to make it a more challenging duel after 6:0 6:2 6:1 6:1 sets she played in Indian Wells.

Jelena routinely finished the first set 6:3, second set seemed to be an ever easier one when she had a 4:1 lead, when Medina made a break, eventully to make it 4:3, then Jelena made a break, kept service game and finished off the set 6:3.

As for Jelena's health condition, she woke up yesterday with a cold her mom just got over. Our blog took it from a fun side that Jelena wore a winter jacket in an Indian Wells supermarket, now it seems she should have taken a cap and scarf as well.

In match against Medina, Jelena's nose was runny and eyes watery, luckily she will be having a day off today. After the match on press conference, Jelena asked journalists if they could not ask too many questions with her voice being pretty raspy.

Jelena spent the yesterday evening waiting for what celebrities can't live without, a hairdresser to put some more of fuscia extensions in her hair but the hairdresser lost her way and didn't show up, so it's postponed for tomorrow and Jelena expressed wish for a good hairdo for her Quarterfinal match. Jelena finished the evening wathing Monica Seles on 'Dancing with the stars'.

Tomorrow, March 20th, Jelena will play against Lindsey Devenport who was a winner in the match against Marion Bartolli in two sets, 6:2 7:5. Lindsey is a former champion looking for her way up in the Top 20 after taking a season off and now is one of the rare moms in WTA tour. More on the match against Lindsey tomorrow.

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic Inbetween The Matches

2008-03-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic seems to really enjoy Indian Wells. One of the main thing that contributed to her great mood is she's no longer bothered with injuries, as she explains: 'I'm healthy. This is why you see me smile more often in compare to the beginning of the year when it I was not myself. Due to injuries I wasn't able to enjoy the game'.

Jelena said it was pretty cold and windy during her morning match against Ai Sugyiama yesterday. Jelena received a silver necklace with a crystal tennis ball on it from a fan yesterday that was one of the highlights of Jelena's day (yeah, she's a girl:).

Jelena spent the rest of the day practicing on her serve, some shots and exercises for her back in order to strengthen the area she recently had problems with and avoid any new injuries.

Jelena was seen in a supermarket wearing the winter jacket with fur on the back, since it's California in March yes it was Jelena's mom advicing her to do so as her mom got a cold during the last visit to the supermarket.

Yesterday evening Jelena spent relaxing after the evening before when she was out dining to an Italian restaurant. Jelena will be on court today between 2pm and 4pm local time.

Indian Wells: Italian After Italian For Ana Ivanovic

2008-03-18T12:57:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic made her place in the next round by beating Tatiana Garbin in two sets rather convincing, 6:3 6:0. This is what Ana had to say after the match against Tatiana:

'Definitely I could play better than how I played against Tatiana. I made powerful finish, managed to try some things, excersies shots and won at the same time'.

Ana looked back on her style of play: 'I always aspire to execute everything perfect, to play in the best possible way no matter who is opponent and in what Round the match is played. But with time I realized I play with too much spent energy and emotions in the early matches of tournaments, even when it's not necessary'.

'Now I try to find the play I feel pleasent with, not to bring myself under pressure, in stress situations, thus save energy. When I am feeling good and serve good, you have a domination in exchange of shots and you can try some new shots'.

'I try to play close to the net as often as possible to make it be my habit win time.' Ana won 15 out of 17 volleys against Tatiana. Ana didn't lose her powerful shot from the base line having 25 'winners' from forehand.

Today, March 18th, Ana will play against yet another Italian Francesca Skiavone, #13 seed, who won against Flavia Pennetta 6:3 6:4. The match should start between 6:30pm and 9:30pm local time.

Francesca profile: nationality: Italian, height: 166cm, weight 64, Singles: #22, Race Singles #17, career high Singles: #11 on January 30th 2006. Francesca is in a great form featuring in Dubai Final (Tier I event) two weeks ago.

Still, the ball is in Ana's court, if she can play her game, seems as if only Svetlana Kuznetsova, Jelena Jankovic and Maria Sharapova can match Ana's play in Indian Wells.

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic Wins In 58 Minutes

2008-03-18T01:42:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic showed yet another powerful performance in Round 3 of Indian Wells beating Japanese Ai Sugiyama in straigth sets, 6:1 6:1 after only 58 minutes of play.

Convincing victory gives little room for match analysis other than to say Jelena is at her best at the moment. From the beginning of the tournament, Jelena was in good swing beating American Asha Rolle in convincing manner.

In the match against Ai, Jelena made a break in game 1, allowed her opponent to take only 1 game in 3rd game of first set that lasted 26 minutes!? Jelena played no different in 2nd set, she controlled the match in every segment of play, once again allowing Ai to take only 1 game, for final 6:1 in game.

Jelena will now play against Anabel Medina Garrigues from Spain who won over Evgenia Rodina from Russia in two sets, 7:5 6:3. Jelena played three times against Medina and won twice, with Medina winning last year in Strasbourg after Jelena withdrow.

Medina is World #31 and #20 in Indian Wells. This means Jelena will once again play against a player who is outside Top 30 for a place in the Semi-finals, talking about a benefit of being World #4 in tournament's draw and trying hard throught the course of the season.

Jelena has already achieved 5 Quarterfinal appearances this year, including the Semi-final at the Australian Open and Dubai, and has never played beyond Round 4 in Indian Wells so another win will additionally narrow her to Svetlana Kuznetsova who is defending WTA points of playing in the Final last year.

As for Indian Wells, all Top seeds found their way through, defending champion Daniela Hantuchova, Svetlana Kuznetsova last year Finalist, Ana (Ivanovic) last year's Quarterfinalist.. Serbian pack is still going strong with Jelena, Ana and Novak (Djokovic) all passed Round 3.

Indian Wells: Jelena Jankovic In Between The Matches

2008-03-17T01:21:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic found time in Indian Wells to share her experiences with the fans. Jelena said it's cooler than what it was in Indian Wells for the past couple of days, plus windy conditions make extra hard play conditions, still those 2 obsticles made her even more focus in order to overcome them.

Jelena is getting up around 11am, she hasn't been able to adapt the best to changing time difference and the climate she experienced last week in India. As as a top player, usually her matches are scheduled later in the day and she can have more sleep, talking about some benefits of being in Top 5 :)

Jelena is one of the leading stars in Indian Wells and it gives her little time for rest after the matches, usually there are press conferences, tv shows, fitness sessions..

To close the day, Jelena mainly goes to a dinner with friends and the team, have a hot bath, aromatherapy, then to sleep. Yesterday, Sunday March 16th 2008, Jelena had a practice session, autograph session, got a vaccine, and a shopping trip with her mom, hey it's WTA, Jelena is a woman and all classy stores there :)

Jelena usually books practice courts further on the site and her coach joks why she always books practice courts in Serbia. So Jelena changed the tactics yesterday, chose a practice court that was closer, many people gathered and Jelena spend extra time signing authographs and taking pictures with the fans.

In the evening, Jelena took time to read a book 'Secret' her mom gave her. Today, Monday 17th, Jelena will play the match earlier than in previous days. Her tactics against Ai Sugiyama will be to be aggressive and play her game.

We'll see Jelena on court today at 11am local time, please not the time in USA is switched to summer saving time, until Europe and other continents switch the time to it too, time difference with California is -8 hours Central European Time.

Video: Jelena Jankovic In Indian Wells 07

2008-03-17T01:14:00.000-07:00

Indian Wells: Ana Ivanovic Progresses Harder Than Expected

2008-03-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic secured her place in the Quarterfinal after a win against Joana Raluca Olaru in surprising 3 sets, 6:1 5:7 6:0. Resting after Dubai, Ana was fully ready for Indian Wells and a convincing win was expected in her first match.

Ana started awesome, in no time she won the first set 6:1. Ana made a break in the fifth game of second set and it seemed likely Ana would keep her serve and win the set/match. Though Ioana re-breaked in the next game, then again one more at 6:5 to make win the set 7:5.

In third set it was all about Indian Wells #1 seed and World #2 showing a powerful display, Ana won the set convincingly 6:0 for the Quarterfinal appearance. Before Indian Wells' first match, Ana talked how much she improved in many elements of play, this is what she had to say after losing a set in her first match in the tournament:

'I wasn't really happy with the way I played in the second set. The windy conditions were very tough and it made it even more difficult that it was my first match. The third set I think I played really well, and I did exactly what I wanted to do. It's hard to judge your game in such conditions, because when it's so windy it becomes who is mentally stronger and who can move and work better in the situation.'

'After I took a 3:2 lead in second set I should have played in the same rhythm, but I lose serve game and it got me out of balance. Unacceptable long I wondered looking for my play and I'm not happy with it.'

Anyhow, Ana is in Round 3 and where she will face Italian Tatiana Garbin, World #45. The match is on schedule two days after Ana's Round 2 match, that is on Monday, March 17th 2008.

In most news it's 'Serbian Made It Through' referring that Jelena and Novak (Djokovic, ATP #3) also reached Round 3. Jelena will play against Ai Sugiyama from Japan and Novak will play against Philipp Kohlschreiber. Go Serbian Pack :)

Indian Wells: All Good For Jelena Jankovic In Round 2

2008-03-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic made it into Round 3 as easy as it can be done winning over American Asha Rolle in two sets 6:0 6:2 in only 58 minutes. Jelena dictated rhythm of the match from the very start and after only 15 minutes made 2 breaks for 4:0 lead.

Asha, currently World #129, tried to find the answer for Jelena's great shots, Asha gave her all when on serve but Jelena proved the time of injuries is behind her and she is now ready for good results.

Jelena won easily the remaining 2 games to close the first set 6:0. In the second set, motivated Asha put more power in her play and took 2:0 lead. Though, much more experienced Jelena put more power in her own play as well, totally took control ove the match, won the next 6 games for eventual 6:2 in games and 2:0 in sets.

Jelena will play against the winner of Greta Arn (Germany) and Ai Sugiyama (Japan). That match has not started and is one of the last on schedule today. Jelena will have at least 6 hours more time to rest that the winner of that match.

Jelena played against Ai who is current World #39 only once, this season in Doha and won with convincing 6:1 6:2. Against Greta, Jelena played also once and lost 1:6 6:2 7:5 back in 2003 in Paris.

Jelena Jankovic Looks For A Coach Wise/Funny Guy

2008-03-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

Jelena Jankovic needs a coach on the longer run, naturally for the world top player. In order to achieve the goal and reach further 3 steps up to World #1 position, Jelena will need a person who will be fully dedicated to her progress, but also the kind of person who will be.. humorous!

Jelena explained: 'I try much to find the new coach. Will see in the next few weeks what will turn out from it. I hope to manage to find a coach who knows more about tennis than I do. Still, I'm not worried, a few names are in the option.

Jelena ended her co-operation in Dubai last month with her coach she occasionally worked with for the reasons of not being satisfied with her condition and improvement in the play.

Jelena will be preparing through the tournament in Indian Wells with the help of famous American coach Pet Echeveria: 'I am healthy again and I'm ready to work. It's importan to take care of my body. I must be better in the longer matches because in Dubai I was tired after first 2 hours'.

She added her new coach would have to have a good sense of humor: 'I'm a young girl and I love to have fun. There's no point to pretend I am more mature than I am. I like to be with people who like to joke and who are proud on their achievements.

p.s. Well, if Jelena is a looking for a comedian for her coach, I apply, I never trained a single player and all of the sudden I want to train World #4, how ridiculous is that!?:)

Ana Ivanovic: 'I Still Have To Work On Myself'

2008-03-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Ana Ivanovic believes the stability in her play is the final piece of the championship picture she needs to put in place on the way of fulfilling her dream to win a Grand Slam: 'I like to set up goals for myself and now my main goal is to play without oscilations, that is to make equality between my unforced errors and 'winners'. If I manage to do that, I'll have great chance to win a Grand Slam.

World #2 believes she improved in many elements of the game since January this year when she reached the Final of Australian Open: 'I improved my movement on the field and in the continuation of the season I'll be more agressive than I was up to now.'

'The titles I won last year and wins against world top players have given me great self-confidence'. Ana freshly remembers her two chances to win a Grand Slam title, last year at Rolang Gaross and this year's Australian Open.

'On two occassions I was so close to fulfilling the dream. I wanted so much to win Grand Slam titles and take them home. Serbia will be even more proud on me.' Last month Ana needed to withdrow from the tournament in Doha due to ankle injury.

'I fully healed. My physiotherapeut has don his job really well and I hope for great results in the rest of the season.' And will soon be on court in Round 1 and it really feels great being a fan of a players who sets goals high, works and plays hard to fulfill them.

Ana, you're the #1 seed and Primadonna of this year's Indian Wells, go for your crown! :)

WTA Indian Wells Preview

2008-03-12T05:57:00.000-07:00

Indian Wells (Pacific Life Open) started this week with the Qualification Rounds, in a day or two, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic will be on court in Round 2. Great news is that Ana is #1 seed at yet another major Tier I tournament, while Jelena is #3 seed.

Ana will play in Round 1 against the winner of Ioana Raluca Olaru (Romania) - Meng Yuan (China) match. Ioana is 19 years old currently in Singles at #77, #157 in Race, with a career high #55 in October 27 and has reached 1st Round in this year's Australian Open.

Meng Yuan is a 21 year old currenttly in Singles at #86, #76 in Race with a career highest WTA rankings at #86 and has reached 2nd Round in this year's Australian Open. Ana will be absolute favorite to win the match against Ioana or Meng.

Ana could meet in the next round Tathiana Garbin #31 seed, in later Rounds players such as Francesca Schiavone #13 seed and Flavia Pennetta #19 seed, eventually players such as Vera Zvonareva #12 seed, Michaella Krajicek #22 and Nicole Vaidisova #7 seed for a place in the Semi-Final, where she could play against Jelena.

On the other Side, Jelena seems to have harder job on the way to Semi-Finals. In Round 2, Jelena will play against better in the match between two Wild Card players, Americans Ahsha Rolle (World #129) and Madison Brengle (World #232).

In the next Round Jelena could play against Ai Sugiyama (#27 seed) and the winner of matche between two qualifiers. In later Round, Jelena could play against A. Medina Garrigues (#20 seed) and Virginia Razzano (#16 seed), eventually against players such as Marion Bartoli (#6 seed), Sybille Bummer (#11 seed) and Lindsey Devenport (#24 seed) for a chence to play against possible Semi-Final against Ana.

On the other side of the draw, in the Final, Ana and Jelena could meet players such as Svetlana Kuznetsova (#2 seed), Maria Sharapova (#4 seed) and Daniela Hantuchova (#5 seed). Justine Henan dedicated to pass Indian Wells to be best prepared for Miami's Key Biscayne.

Also an interesting fact is that there will be no Williams Sisters who gave a bow they will not participate in the tournaments where they were boo-ed at in 2001. From Top 10 players one more to miss is Anna Chakvetadze.

Winner of the tournament will recieve $332.000 and 465 WTA points, Finalist $163.000 and 325 points, Semi-finalist $80.000 and 210 points, Quarter-finalist $39.000 and 115 points. Ana and Jelena have alredy earned $4.650 and 25 points for playing in Round 2.

Ana made it to Round 3 last year (lost to Sybille Bummer), so did Jelena (lost to Na Li). Both Ana and Jelena will defend 65 points and have a good changes to earn additional WTA points this year to reach beyond Round 3 playing against far lower ranked players.

WTA Ranking: No Changes This Week

2008-03-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

Ana kept #2 and Jelena #4 position in the WTA Rankings, with the difference that Jelena played past week in Bangalore and won 70 points while Ana rested for the American Tour.

It will be interesting to see how A & J will do in the upcoming days in Indian Wells in compere to World #3 Svetlana Kuznetsova who defends emense 325 point (lost in the Final last year to Daniela Hantuchova 6:3 6:4) while A & J only 65 reaching 4th Round last year there, Jelena has good chances to improve to #3 position and Ana a good opportunity for Ana to move further away from #3 chaser.

Winner of Indian Wells would earn great 425, while appearance in the Semi-Finals earns 210 points. As Jelena seems to be a specialist for Quarter-final appearances this year, Indians Wells Quarterfinals bring in 115. Both Ana and Jelena will be free in Round 1 and won't be on court in the next few days, thus they have already earned 25 WTA points for playing in Round 2.

This is how Top 5 list looks like: #1 Justine Henan 6.330 points, #2 Ana Ivanovic 3.896, #3 Svetlana Kuznetsova 3.750, #4 Jelena Jankovic 3.685, #5 Maria Sharapova 3.526.

Bangalore: Jelena Jankovic Free For Weekend

2008-03-07T13:39:00.000-08:00

Jelena Jankovic lost in the Quarter-finals in Bangalore suffering a surprising loss to Chinese Zi Yan in 3 sets 3:6 6:3 3:6. Both Zi and Sanda (Mamic) that Jelena played last week are out of Top 30.

Zi made a break in first set in 8th game to make it 5:3, then won the set. Jelena made a break in 4th game of the 2nd set to make it 3:1. Zi returned the break of difference though Jelena kept playing her game and won the set.

In 3rd set, Zi had a powerful start and led 4:0 in games, later to win the set 6:3 for her Semi-final appearance against Swiss Petty Schnyder who won against Akgul Amanmarudova in 3 sets 4:6 6:4 7:6.

Jelena was tournament's #1 seed. She will now focus on the upcoming American Tour for which most Top players rested and did not participate in Bangalore.

Bangalore: Jelena Jankovic In Yet Another Quarterfinal

2008-03-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Jelena Jankovic has reached yet another Quarter-final this year after a 2:0 win over Croatian Sanda Mamic, 6:2 6:2. Jelena has reached at least the Quarterfinal round in every tournament she played in this year.

Jelena achieved an easy win in Bangalore against Sanda who was equal match only at the beginning of first set when it was 2:2 in games. Everything that followed was a routine one of #1 seed.

Jelena will now play against Zi Yan who overcame Ukrainian Olga Savchuk convincingly 2:0 in sets, 6:2 6:1. Jelena and Zi played only once against each other, last year in Bangkok Thailand when Jelena withdrawal came due to injury. Zi is 23 years old and current World #54, #107 in Race, and mainly plays in the doubles where she is current World #13.

Video: Jelena Jankovic's Last Year Final In Being

2008-03-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

Jelena Jankovic's Good Time In India

2008-03-04T03:22:00.000-08:00

Jelena dedicated to participate in Bangalore India tournament even though other top 5 players decided to take a week of rest before major North American tournaments starting next week.

Jelena said she believes the matches in Bangalore will allow her to lift the form ahead of the trip to the USA where most important tournaments between the first 2 Grand Slams of the season, Australian Open and Roland Gaross, will take place.

Here are Jelena's words: 'I didn't make it to the Final in Dubai, but I feel I improved my game. Still it's not my maximum, I think I'm on a good road to reach top form. My weaknesses at this moments are strength and durability, so I spend a lot of time on court in order to get tougher.

'Against Kuznetsova I didn't have the straight at the end. I felt tired and I began to lost concentration. That is, in a way, normal considering I made pauses in training due to injuries. I feel additional several matches in Bangalore will help me raise the level of my game and help me to keep improving'.

Jelena, as a professional player, travelled almost entire world, now she visited India: 'I arrived around 3am in the morning and I was pleasantly surprised for the tournament director to await me on the airport in a very traditional way, with presents that are characteristic for this region of India. I'm happy to be in opportunity to meet yet another wonderful country and I'll try to use as much time I have to meet myself with the local customs.

Jelena added she was recomended to wash teeth and face with bottled water to avoid any possible bacteries or infections problems. Jelena also met the fashion side of India. She was wearing traditional 'saree' dressed on an improvised fashion manifestation in Bangalore organized by the WTA.

Jelena said: 'Saree' dresses are worn by most women in India. I tried to be as original as I can so I put a small Indian juvel on my fore-head to look complitely like them. On the party, I was asked to walk on the stage and I received a lot of compliments. They said I look like an Indian woman and that I walked with much elegeancy and self-confidence'.

Jelena will play her first match in Bangalore tomorrow (Wednesday, March 5th 2008) where she is #1 seed, next week she will travel to the USA to participate in first of the major American tournaments, Indian Walles.

Ana Ivanovic's small 'crush on'

2008-03-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

With no Tennis going on over the weekend, it's off-court talk: Ana does not have a boyfriend, she's peaceful and feels no preasure to find him. Still if she could choose, she said she would pick an American actor.

Answering questions from the fans, Ana said she ralaxes herself in front of the matches lately watching her favorite series 'Prison Break', and revealed she fancies the main actor Wenworth Miller.

On the question what's is the one person she would like to spend her day with, regardless to whether that person is famous or not, or not among living, Ana against stated it's Miller himself.

On a question by a fan if she feels preasure for not having a boyfriend being 18 years old, Ana said she has been asked that question a lot but she believes those kind of things happen when you least expect them.

Ana said the funniest of all questions she has been asked by fans is: 'Will you marry me'. Aside watching the 'Prison Break', Ana relaxes herself listening to music and playing Sudoku, as she said, it concentrates her on her thought.

Dubai: Jelena Jankovic Lost, Had 23 break point opportunities

2008-02-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

Jelena lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova in a not so typical match, even more for a Semi-final of a Tier I Tournament. There were well over 40 break points to be seen, after 2 hours and 43 minutes Svetlana had more strength and will to win, in the end 2:1 in sets, 5:7 4:6 3:6, in front of not too many spectators in first match of the day.

Jelena's loss was similar to Ana Ivanovic's loss against another Russian Elena Dementieva the day earlier (1:2 in sets, 5:7 6:3 6:3), Jelena and Ana played tennis not recognizable for them, weak performance with a few bright spots, handing over wins to opponents.

After winning first set, Jelena had opportunity to secure a lead and likely a match win at 4:3 and her serve game, though Jelena chatted with the judge over a disputable ball and following challenge, then Jelena chatted with audiance, it was all about smiles and making cheerful atmosphere, when she returned to the play, there was Svetlana eager for win and Jelena fully lost her momentum, Svetlana won remaining games to win the second set 6:4.

As if being so close to the win, then easy loss of second set did not effect Jelena. In 3rd set, Jelena won a break game for 1:0 lead, then lost her serve game, had 3 break point opportunities at 2:2 in games, though from a 40:0 lead and not so powerful Svetlana's serve, Jelena lost the next 5 points.

On 2 ocassions in the 3rd set, Jelena tried to make a smatch when it appeared that Svetlana's ball will likely go out, Jelena made weak smatches to lose points on both of those occassions. In no time, Jelena was losing 5:2.

Svetlana had 6 match points at 5:2 in games in the 3rd set, first coming after a questionable ball that Jelena did not want to challenge even though she was in opportunity to do so, then the match ball after Jelena's serve double fault on... Jelena would play a brilliant point on Svetlana's match point, then a weak one when 40:40.

After saving 6 match points, Jelena won the game to make it 5:3. That was pretty much the end, Svetlana won her serve game in impressive way, and won the set 6:3.

The way Jelena played was rather odd. From a nervous Jelena just two days ago, there was fully relaxed Jelena as if nothing what is going on in the match touches her. Her yesteday's match lasted only 23 minutes when Anna Chakvetadze's withdrawal due to injury came.

Jelena was fully rested, still she had problems with moving on the base-line, putting power behind the shots, on several occassions needed time for rest between the points, with several bright shots to remind us she's World #4. It's hardly that Jelena's physical condition was to blame for weak performance.

Perhaps psychological condition!? Jelena had birthday yesterday, and showed absolutely opposite behavior a day before and a day after her 23rd birthday. She celebrated birthday with her brother and coach, her mom was not there.

2 years ago, Jelena would achieve the biggests successes of her career to reach a Semi-Final of a Tier I, Tier II Tournament, now she was close to making it to another Tier I Tournament Final and she showed little resistence as if it was an exhibition match.

With that bit more concentration and will, Jelena could have won WTA points and enough prize money as if winning a Tier III Tournament. With weak plays in the Tier I Semi-Finals, Jelena gives herself less opportunities to skip some Tier II tournaments.

Now she will be heading to Bangalore India where tournament starts on Monday, then another exhausting travel to across the world to North America a week after... all this comes with Jelena trying to catch some breath and rest in first quarter of the season.

With a Final in Dubai, Jelena could have skipped travel to India and take time to rest for the Tier I tournaments in North America coming soon. There are no regrets after a loss and we are looking forward for Jelena's great plays in Bangalore.

Dubai: Ana Ivanovic Lost To Elena Dementieva

2008-02-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

It's as if Ana lost to herself in the Quarterfinals of Dubai with too many errors not typical for her, missed open shots and easy points given away that eventually led to defeat against World #11 Elena Dementieva in 3 sets, 7:5 3:6 3:6.

The match lasted 2 and a half hours on the Central Court in afternon hours local time, Ana looked to find her rhythm, in the final game of the match she almost found it, though there was no longer strength in her muscles for the turnaround.

Ana saved 7 match points, came to opportunity to win a break game, then showed all those errors that brought her close to loss - Ana's 'winners' ended in outs and it was the end.

Ana started good with 3:1 lead in first set, Elena turned things around to 4:3, Ana returned a break game, in 12th game won a break game with 'zero' and the set 7:5.

2nd and 3rd sets are something that Ana will rather forget. In the 2nd set with 4 straight lost games, the outcome seemed inevitable, then Ana made a break, only to lose her service game and be leveled with Elena 1:1 in sets.

At the beginning of 3rd set, Ana changed the tactics, she moved forward and won a break for 1:0 lead. Then Ana went back to base-line play and held the initiative in the points, the same as during most of the match, but she was fully out of rhythm.

Elena managed to level the games, made a break, eventually win the match for a place in the Semi-finals where she will play against Francesca Schiavone who won over Justine Henan 7:6 7:6.

Schiavone's win over the sovereign ruler of Dubai Tennis Championship was not as suprising, she showed stellar performance, led 5:2 in second set on her serve, Justine Henan was out of rhythm with not enough power behind the shots.

Still this could have been a great opportunity for Ana (World #2) to reach the Final at a Tier I against a player outside of the Top 20 who played a long and exhausting match today.

There is no time for regrets, season is in full swing, Ana now heads half way across the world to North America where she will play in Indian Wells on March 13th.

Dubai: Jelena Jankovic In The Semi-Finals... And A Happy Birthday To You JJ :)

2008-02-28T14:14:00.000-08:00

There wasn't much tennis to be seen at the Center Court of Dubai Tennis Complex in Jelena Jankovic - Anna Chakvetadze match. Anna Chakvetadze withdrawal came in the second set after she lost first set 1:6 that lasted only 23 minutes all-together with the medical time-out. Anna was not able to continue due to pain in the thigh muscle.

Jelena will have time to rest, the match was scheduled in morning hours local time and it didn't not last long. Jelena will play in the Semi-Final against Svetlana Kuznetzova who won over Amelie Mauresmo in 2 sets, 6:1 7:6.

Today was a day to celebrate for sure, it's Jelena's 23rd birthday. Jelena shared with the fans a birthday cake she received as a present from the tournament organizators.

Jelena explains: I sliced the cake and shared it to the fans. They sang me a birthday song, first in Serbian, then in English. I wish I was in Belgrade, but I admit it was a wonderful to celebrate this moment with the people who came to support me'.

Jelena added that she will celebrate birthday modestly, as tomorrow she plays with Svetlana for a place in the Finals: 'There will be no special celebration. I'm here with my brother and coach, we'll go out to a dinner and that will be it. Tomorrow is a new day and a new match'.

Happy Birthday JJ, we wish you good health, joy in travels, your mom's good health to see her there cheer for you in the tournaments, good shopping in Dubai Duty Free, a #1 ranking, a boyfriend perhaps, a Olymic Games appearance with Ana Ivanovic in Doubles perhaps perhaps, in all happy days to you.

Dubai: Ana Ivanovic's Easy Win Over Vaidisova

2008-02-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

There were only good news with Ana today, last week's injury is the thing of the past and great form is present. In the last match of the day, Ana won over Nicole Vaidisova in convincing way, with only first set exciting, in the end 6:4 6:0.

Match lasted only 61 minute with Ana's 7 aces and 74% of won points on first serve. In 2 sets Ana won 6 break games while losing 2 serve games. Ana will tomorrow play against Elena Dementieva in the Quarterfinals, if she wins, the draw will probably bring her to Justine Henan in battle for the Final.

Ahead of tomorrow's match, Elena has all stats on her side and this will be a great opportunity for Ana to win ove Elena for the first time in her career, as Elena won previous 2 matches. Ana and Jelena both made the Quarterfinal appearance and they could not meet before the Final. We hope to see them meet on Sunday then :)

Dubai: Jelena Jankovic In The Quarterfinals

2008-02-27T07:11:00.000-08:00

Jelena Jankovic won over Sania Mirza in 3 sets 4:6 6:4 6:3. This was the first time that Sania won a set against Jelena in their previous 3 matches. One of the most notable impressions of the match is Jelena not having match patience for what is going on aside the court to remind us on some of her younger days.

Can this be another impression of Jelena's tiredness and exhaustion!? Jelena rightly complained about the boys that give tennis balls being rather slow, then another rightly complainment on the crowd that would start to cheer in the middle of the point when Sania would make a good shot.

Jelena complained several times to the judge and he asked the audiance to cheer within the tennis manners. After 90 minutes of play, at the beginning of 3rd set, Jelena complained on line-judge's call, she challenged the call though the video proved her wrong. After the next point and her ball line-judge rightly called 'out', Jelena was notable upset but did not challenged it.

At that point, Jelena didn't seem to have positive energy as much as Sania on the other side of the net, at early beginning of the 3rd set, Jelena's fans feared in what direction the match may go. In the end, Sania was more than close to make a break leading 40:15, luckily Jelena managed to save it.

In the 9th game came Jelena's bright performance of 3rd set by winning a break game with few powerful and precisive shots. In the end, at 5:4 on her serve game, Jelena had troubles to make good 1st serves, finally with 3:3 in unforced errors it was 40:40 and Sania's 2 more unforced errors sealed the match and Jelena's win.

Jelena's brother was in the stadium, we did not see her mom and can't state if she is in Dubai as well, Jelena's mom followed her wherever she play, recently her mom had health problems and this may be one of the factors that effected Jelena.

The great news is that Jelena made it through to the Quarterfinals where she will face #6 seed Ana Chakvetadze. Ana Ivanovic will play later today in the day's last match and we are looking forward to some more great news.

WTA Rankings: Ana Ivanovic #2, Jelena Jankovic #4, Dubai Ahead

2008-02-25T14:43:00.000-08:00

WTA Rankings this morning (February 25th) brought the happy change of Ana being back at #2 after a week at #2 while Jelena stayed at #4. First ranked Justine Henan gathered 6530 poings, Ana 3822 points, Svetlana Kuznesova 3725, Jelena 3670, while Maria Sharapova at #5 after winning Dubai got close to Jelena with 3526 points.

Monday Ana's ankle injury update: Ana is certain she will play in Dubai. With intensive care she managed to heal the injury and trained on today: 'I feel a lot better. I can walk without pain, that's certainly a progress. Sunday morning I didn't feel best, suddently in afternoon I felt a lot better. Chances that I will play are over 50%.

To remind us Ana will play in Round 2 against Nicole Vaidisova, after as well Round 1 bye, Jelena will play in Round 2 against the winner of Sania Mirza against a qualifier.

Video: Ana Ivanovic & Jelena Jankovic Doubles Fed Cup

2008-02-25T14:33:00.000-08:00

Ana Ivanovic Ahead Of Dubai

2008-02-24T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's been a long and stressful week behind Ana. Ana was in great shape when her withdrawal due to ankle injury came in Doha, as Ana said it was the most painful thing that happened to her on a tennis court. We hoped for Ana's revenge for loss in Australian Open Final against Sharapova in this time Dubai Final, though Ana was not there and Sharapova today (February 24th) won Dubai.

Ana lost only two games this year and is looking forward to successful week. Ana will play her fist match in Dubai on Wednesday in Round 2 against winner of the match between World #14 Nicole Vaidisova and a qualifier. Ana is #3 seed, thus receives a by in Round 1.

Potential opponent in Round 3 could be World #11 Russian Elena Dementieva and Swiss Patty Schnyder. Ana could meet #1 seed Justine Henan (defending Champion) in the semi-finals. Most Top players will be in Dubai and some great tennis awaits us this week.

Brief Facts about Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship - Place: Dubai, Date February 25th-March 1st 2008, Prize money: $1.500.000, Surface: Hardcourt/Outdoors, Last Year Final: Justine Henan (Belgiums) - Amelie Mauresmo (France) 6:4 7:5.

Great news will awaits us on Monday morning when new WTA rankings are published, Ana will be back on #2 place.

Ana Ivanovic Injury Update, Will Play In Dubai :)

2008-02-23T10:30:00.000-08:00

As we have feared about Ana being able to participate in Dubai, days after Doha ankle injury and withdrawal, our fears are 'no more', as Ana herself explains: 'I did icing all evening and all night, waking up each hour. When I got up this morning I couldn’t even walk properly, so that pretty much decided it'.

'I went to the hospital for an MRI scan. Luckily there isn’t a tear, just some micro-tears. Now I just have to rest and hope that the injury recovers in time for the tournament in Dubai next week'.

'It’s such a shame that this happened, because I felt I was playing well and I had good preparation for this tournament. I’m sorry to the spectators who were hoping to watch me in Doha, I’m also thankful for the many messages of support I received'.

'Funnily enough, I was watching the movie Sliding Doors the night before my match. Maybe this is my destiny'. We're glad to see Ana ready for action, finals in Doha Ana - Jelena was not to be, perhaps Dubai finals!?

Doha: Na Li Ends Jelena Jankovic's Run

2008-02-22T15:13:00.000-08:00

Sadly to say, Jelena ended her participation in Doha in the Quarter-finals. With much injury problems and exhaustion Jelena complained on since beginning of the year, the question is should we find a bright spot in it all that Jelena made it at least to the Quarter-finals?

Ana was not even able to be on court yesterday due to ankle injury. To remind us, a week before Doha Jelena compained about back pain problems. There is too much travel and though matches played all week long at this level, it effects bodies and muscles of our young Tennis Ladies can't take it all, especially with Jelena's decision to participate in so many tournaments last season.

Jelena lost to her good friend Na Li, World #29, who missed a great part of last season due to injury and now is on way to Top 20. Na led from the start, early break gave her 1:0.. 3:0... lead, afterwards Jelena played more agressive but it was not enough and Na won first set 6:3.

Second set started with both players winning their service games until 9th game and Na's break that eventually led her to winning the set 6:4 after 78 minutes of play. Na will now play against Vera Zvonareva from Russia, World #27, who progressed after win agaisnt Austrian Sybile Bammer in 3 sets 2:6 6:2 6:0.

It's about taking short time to rest for Jelena and Ana before participation in Tournament in Dubai that starts on Monday. We wish our Tennis Ladies to get best possible rest over the weekend.

Doha: Jelena Jankovic In Quarterfinals After An Easy Win

2008-02-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

Jelena made it in the Doha Quarterfinals after an easy win against Japanese player Ai Suguyama in two sets 6:1 6:2. Jelena, #3 seed, will play tomorrow againt Chinese Na Li, her good friend from the Doubles, who overcame Shahar Peer from Izrael in two sets 6:1 6:3.

Li, curently World #29 has a positive score against Jelena with 3 wins and only 1 lose.

Doha: Ana's Withdrawal Before Radwanska match

2008-02-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

Sadly, Ana needed to withdraw before the start of Round 3 match against Radwanska. Ana waited just before the match to see if she will be able to play. It also was not on her luck for the match to be scheduled early in the morning giving her less time for rest.

Ana's ankle injury did not heal overnight, it even worsen. Ana was strong favorite to win the match against Radwanska, as a #1 seed as well a favorite to win the Tournament. After withdrawing from Doha today, Thursday February 21st, it's question whether Ana will be ready for the next big Tournament starting in Dubai on Monday.

Doha: Jelena Jankovic in Round 3 against Ai Sugiyama

2008-02-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

Jelena managed to make it through to Round 3 where she will join Ana. Jelena kept faithful of playin 3 sets in her fist match in Doha and won yesterday against Yaroslava Schvedova, World #52, 6:1 3:6 6:3. Now Jelena will be play in late hoours today, February 21st, against Ai Siguyama who made it to Round 3 by beating another Japanese Ayuni Morita as well in 3 sets 4:6 6:4 6:0.

Jelena is a strong favorite to win and progress to the next round. Sadly, Ana got injured and her ability to move and run across the court is limited to make us more anxious in expectation for possible Jelena - Ana final in Doha. Both of our ladies are dealing with injuries, Jelena's recent back pain problems luckily are not showing in Doha.

Ana Uncertain Will She Continue To Play In Doha Due To Injury

2008-02-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Ana, #1 seed in Doha, may need to withdrow from the tournament because of an ankle injury that she suffered in the 7th game of 2nd set against Belaruss Olga Govortzova. Ana slipped close to baseline and fell will painful expression on her face, she managed to temporarily heal ankle injury and win the match but it was evident it was a painful injury and Ana could have hardly walked.

Her participation in Doha will be decided as tomorrow progresses. Ana said: 'It definitely hurts me a lot and I can hardly stand on that ankle. Doctors think it's a strain, but I will have to wait and see how the ankle will react over night. I will try to get well, I'll see if I could make to play'

Ana said she had major problem to finish the match: 'I was little scared and I thought I my not be able to play until the end. I simply took a risk and suceeded, thugh I'm not sure how. I had to win point with shots as I could not run.

Now, we can only hope for Ana's ankle to get well overnight and she will be able to play against Radwanska in Round 3.

Doha: Ana Ivanovic Stronger Than Injury and Govortzova

2008-02-20T16:40:00.000-08:00

Ana proved the role of number 1 favorite to win the title in Doha after a convincing win in her first match in Round 2 against Belaruss Olga Govortzova in two sets 6:3 6:1. Though, Ivanovic suffered an ankle injury in the finish of the match and after first impression that the injury is serious enough for her she would need to withdrow, she found the strength to play 3 points more for the victory.

Ana had initiative from the very start, strong play brought her 3:0 lead, after which she won the set as an experience player. At the beginning of 2nd set, ana managed to make a break and again dominate the match against world #50. Good movement, powerful and precisive shots allowed Ana to easily establish 5:1 lead and 30:30 in 7th game when she suffered left leg injury.

She spent several moments lying on the court crying, and medical team managed to fix her ankle and enable her to win the match after 80 minutes of playtime.

Ana Ivanovic will play in Round 3 against winner in the match Radwanska (Poland) - Garbin (Italy) if everything goes well with injury. Ana played against Radwanska two times in her career and won both times, 2006 in Linz and 2007 Australian Open. She made indentical score against Garbin, with wins in 2005 in Toronto and at this year's Australian open.

Rankings: Ana #3, Jelena #4, Ana Ready For Revenge against Sharapova in Katar

2008-02-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

On this morning's (February 18th, 2008) new WTA Rankings, Ana has dropped one place down to #3 while Jelena remainds at #4. Ana decided to pass tournaments in Tokyo (last year played in Final) and Antwerpen (last year in Quarter-Final) and did not defend those points. Svetlana Kuznetsova is now at #2 ahead of Ana for only 2 points, while difference between Ana and Jelena is 63 points, both in front of Sharapova at #5 for more than 600 points.

We talked about Jelena ahead of Doha, now it's turn for Ana. Great news is that Ana is #1 seed at $2.5 million Qatar Total Open as Justine Henan decided to pass Doha while playing in home country in Antwerpen last week (won the tournament yesterday).

This is Ana's first time to be #1 seed at a tournament of Tier I magnitute and a lot of pressure will be on her. If Ana is to be #1, this is the pressure she needs to overcome successfully, big tournaments where all eyes are on her to win it. Ana is rested and full of strength, her family, home-country, fans from around the world, everybody will be watching to see her lift the trophy.

Ana and Jelena will be free in Round 1. In Round 2 Ana will meet the winner of Olga Govorceva (Belarus) and Sania Mirza (India) match, and she can not meet Jelena before the Final. If everything goes according to plan, Ana will play against Agnieszka Radwanska, Venus Williams, and a great rival Maria Sharapova in Semi-final, perfect change for revenge after the Australian Open Final.

Jelena will play in Round 2 against opponent from qualifications, in the Round 3 probably against Agnes Szavay from Hungary, in eventual Quarter-final against Ana Chakvetadze, Semi-Final Svetlana Kuznetzova.

After the January Australian Open and Fed Cup in early February, it's second part of February and our ladies will be in full action. We hope for their powerful plays from Round 2 to at least Semi-Finals, if not the Final Ana - Jelena, who ever would win that match, Ana & Jelena fans and this blog would be the winners :)

Jelena Jankovic Made Short Stop To Visit Home-Town On Way To Doha

2008-02-15T09:47:00.000-08:00

Jelena visited her home town Belgrade where she was expected to attend the final ceremony at 'Sonny Ericsson Challenger' in men's competition played on her fist Tennis club's courts and present beaker to the winner on Sunday. Though, she needed to apologize as she will need to continue her travel to East to be best prepared for next week's Doha and a week after Dubai Tournaments.

Jelena said: 'I used the opportunity to visit my club Gemaks after long time. I came to support my friends Viktor Troicki, Dusan Vemic and Ilija Bozoljac. I hope one of them to win the Tournament'. Jelena added that she can't stay long in Belgrade becuae she needs to heal back pain problems ahead of Doha starts on Monday.

President of Gemaks Djordjo Antelj presented to Jelena a watch and thanked her on visit expressing his admiration for her successes: 'Unfortunately Jelena will not be able to present beaker to the winner like we planned. We are proud with our Diva, her patriotism and all good she contributed to our National Tennis team. We our proud for her being a role-model to our youth.

Jelena expressed her regret that Monika Seles decided to officially end her career not being able to recover from injury: 'I'm sorry for Monika. She had a great passion to return to playing Tennis but injuries forced her not to. Monika is a Tennis legend, I appreciate her greatly as a Tennis player and as a person.

Jelena earlier said that Monika Seles is her mentor and she always calls her on the phone when she needs advice. Monika announced on Friday that she has officially retired from active playing, 5 years after last match in her career.

Jelena's Slight Back Pain Problems

2008-02-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Qatar Total Open in Doha starts on February 18th giving Ana and Jelena needed time to rest. Almost two weeks, they needed that break after Australia and Fed Cup matches. Latest news say Jelena is feeling slight back pain problems. This can be another expression of a really exhausting 2007 season when more than many tournaments Jelena decided to participate in.

Injury in early January at the Hopman Cup was a thigh muscle injury, she was standing on the baseline about to hit the ball coming along right line when her muscle could not take the preasure. Jelena talked about exhaustion during Australian Open and Fed Cup matches, and we may say that she did not take enough rest as the long season 2007 ended.

Training hard is the only one can hope to be even better and reach higher, but with short break between the season, a bit more of enjoying rest time and shopping is not that bad. Though, Jelena is a winner by nature and she's always on the go, at #3 or #4, there a step or two more to #1.

Extra effort Jelena puts may turn against her. This early in the season, her physical condition seems like the season is underway for several months. We all hope for Jelena to take more time to rest for her best health. She's a Top 5 player, everybody are proud of her, her fans around the world, fellow countrymen, her family. Everything has its limits and Jelena should not push her physical endurance to maximum.

With wishes for Jelena and Ana to enjoy restful time, until the next time when will talk about Ana ahead of Doha.

Monday WTA Ranking: Ana & Jelena Holding Their Places, Doha Tournament Next

2008-02-11T13:14:00.000-08:00

In new WTA ranking (Monday, February 11th) A & J are ranked unchanged, Ana #2 with 3.827 points, Jelena #4 with 3.695. Justine Henan is still ranked #1 far away ahead of others with 6.555 points, while Svetlana Kuznecova is #3 with 3.760. The only changed in compare to last week's rankings made Ana Cakvetadze climbing to #6 while Venus Williams dropped to #7. Maria Sharapova is still ranked 5th.

Ana and Jelena will next be playing in Doha as Top seeds #1 and #2 with Henan pulled out ahead of tournament in Justine Henan's home country Antwerp. Venus Williams will also miss Doha. Doha Top seeds will be following: #1 Ana Ivanovic, #Svetlana Kuznecova, #3 Jelena Jankovi, #4 Maria Sharapova, #5 Venus Williams, #6 Ana Chekvatadze, #7, Danijela Hantuchova, #8 Marion Bartolli.

Among unseeded are Nadia Petrov, Ellena Dementieva, Amelie Mouresmo.

Jelena's Problems With January Leg Injury

2008-02-10T04:49:00.000-08:00

Jelena had not fully recovered from the leg muscle injury she suffered during the 'Hopman Cup' in Perth Australia at the beginning of January. She barely moved on the court in the remaining 'Hopman Cup' matches with injury problems, it was on everyone's amusement to see her and Novak Djokovic playing in the Final against Americans with Novak running all around the court and Jelena hardly being able to move, still she did not want to give up and she fought as much as her injury allowed her.

Injury followed her through Australian Open. Jelena is a player from Top 10 that had participated in the most tournaments during last year and many have commented should she slow down the fast pace of frequent travels to have more time to relax between the big tournaments.

After 2007 was over, Jelena had only a week or two to rest before preparations for 2008 season begun, leg injury in the season's early beginning is no good news. Jelena constantly mentioned problems with tiredness and exhaustion during Australian Open, Fed Cup later on. She did manage to perform well reaching the Australian Open Semi-finals and playing good in the Fed Cup with Ana.

Jelena gave several interviews explaining now that she made in the Top 5, she will cut down on the number of tournaments she particates in and concentrate more on being in good physical condition for top tournaments.

At the moment (February 10th) with not too many competitions going on due to recent Fed Cup National teams matches, Jelena welcomes some time to rest. This early in the seasonFebruary, she should be in her best physical form, tiredness will be mountaining as the season progresses.

After the Australian Open, Jelena made a short stop in Belgrade accompanied with her mother to undergo medical examination, it was not publicly know for what specific reason, her mother shortly said: 'Please have understanding, we are in hurry to undergo medical examination, after which we are heading to Budapest. Don't worry Jelena will play'. By the evening, Jelena was already on her way to Hungary to join her Fed Cup team-mates.

Journalist Moma Jakovljevic noted: 'Sportsman can suffer injuries from being overtrained and undertrained, solutions lies somewhere in the middle, to have good measure and not to force with too many matches and allow the body to have enough time to rest and relax'.

We wish Jelena to rest well, her home country owns her for taking time to help Fed Cup team in time when the best thing she could do for her physical form and health was to rest and gain strength for the season early in its beginning.

Fed Cup: With Ana And Jelena In The Team, Serbia top favorite in Fed Cup's Euro-African Zone

2008-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

With Ana and Jelena resting after the long flight from Australia and participation in the Australian Open, no rest and Fed Cup matches. We'll look behind on some of the interview A & J gave. We'll start with Ana: We are favorites in this this Fed Cup Euro-African Zone competition. Still, I think Jelena and I have enough experience to bear with that burden. Our oponents will play more relaxed having nothing to lose, and that can be dangerous, so caution.

Best player from Serbia's Davis Cup team next opponent, Croatia, Jelena Kostanic-Tosic (currently ranked #139) said in an interview: ' It's good that we play home, but realistically - it will be more than tough. Especially if both Ana and Jelena will play, even one of them is a problem. I think it makes no difference what surface we choose. Ivanovic was last year's Rolan Gaross finalist, and 10 days ago Australian Open finalist on hard surface, while Jankovic was semi-finalist in Paris and Melbourne.

Serbia's head-coach Vranes explained: 'I begin preparation the day after the match against Poland finishes. It will be decided on what tournaments I will watch oponents, everything will be done with maximum attention. I can already say that we'll even bring food with us from Belgrade, if we decided it will be better that way'.

Vranes countinued: 'Jelena Kostanic, Nika Ozegovic i all their players are specialized for play on clay surface. With the play-off matching the beginning of clay season, after Charleston and before Berlin, maybe they will 'set us up' with hard court, though I'm not certain how would they benefit from it'.

There's still plenty of time until April 26-27th. We will be following A & J Fed Cup preparations all the way.

Video: Jelena In Pictures

2008-02-08T14:47:00.000-08:00

Fed Cup Duo - Next Stop Zagreb Croatia

2008-02-07T03:26:00.000-08:00

Ana and Jelena will play in the next round of Fed Cup in Zagreb Croatia. Matches are scheduled to take place on 26 and 27th April 2008, probably on clay surface. Serbia and Croatia met up in the Fed Cup only once before, back in 1996 in Spanish Murcia when Croatian team that included Iva Majoli and Mirjana Lucic defeated Sandra Nacuk i Dragana Zaric.

This was all before 'Ana & Jelena' era. Serbian Fed Cup team is now favorite to win in Croatia on their home court. The team will included Ana (World #2) and Jelena (#4), while Croatian players are notable lower ranked. Croatia lost in Japan over the weekend, the team included Jelena Kostanic-Tosic (World #139), Nina Ozegovic (#149), Ana Vrljic (264) and Petra Martic (327).

For the match against Serbian, additional options for Croatia are Karolina Sprem (World #208) and Ivana Lisjak (232).

Croatian's National Team Goran Prpic gave his opinion on the outcome of draw in London: "This is the worst possible outcome that could have happend to us, Serbia has the best national team in the world. As for the surface, I will talk with the girls, but there's not some great difference anyway".

Ana & Jelena played only 1 match each against Croatian opponents that happened to be Jelena Kostanic and both made victories. A & J have been working hard to push the National team to the Fed Cup's World Group B, they went to Hungary right after long flight from Australia and their participation in the Australian Open, accomplished needed victories and next stop is Croatia.

The City Of Cuprija To Give Ana & Jelena Land For New Tennis Center

2008-02-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

The City of Cuprija (Serbia) has announced wish to give to Ana & Jelena location for building a new tennis center. This offer is very similar to those the City of Kragujevac, which is not far from Cuprija, offered to another National Team player Novak Djokovic (World #3 in men's competition).

As explained by Prof. Doctor Ljubomir Maric: "We will propose them mutual investment to build a tennis center with a greater number of courts and support facilities. Official decision will be made on the next City Council Assembly, after which our leaging female tennis players will be send invitation for a meeting, where we can propose our initiative".

"Local Goverment is ready to give to them location and facilities they wish because we believe there is a need for Serbia to have a strong center for development i taking care of women's tennis"."Cuprija is ideal for such a center for its geographical location and 'Coridor 10' (high-way) passing by"

Ana & Jelena - Rise To The Top

2008-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

To be added

Jelena - Early Beginnings

2008-02-06T10:14:00.001-08:00

Jelena was born on February 28th, 1985 in Belgrade Serbia. As it's widely known that Ana Ivanovic started training tennis after watching best national player former #1 Monika Seles on TV, it's unclear what were Jelena's initial motives, though she started training in Tennis club 'Red Star', one of two biggest Sports Societies in Serbia, introduced to Tennis at the age of 9 and a half by her elder brother and fitness coach Marko (maybe this is the missing pattern in Jelena's first love for tennis).

Jelena later went to Florida to join World's most respective Tennis Academy - Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy, place where more than few World Top ATP and WTA players started their rise to the stars. Jelena had her first major success by winning the Australian Open in 2001, the same year she started to play on the WTA Tour. She reached the second round at her very first WTA pro tournament at the Indian Wells Masters.

October 2003 saw Jelena enter the Top 100 at #90 after winning her first ITF title in Dubai. This was her first step of success in the WTA Top 100 that will eventually lead her to current career high #2. 3 months after ITF title in Dubai, Jelena earned her first victory against a Top 10 player, Elena Dementieva in the first round of the Australian Open 2004 in 2 sets (6:1, 6:4). In May 2004 she won her first WTA Title, a Tier V event, in Budapest Hungary by defeating Martina Sucha 2:0 (7:6, 6:3) in the final match. Jelena's other highlight in 2004 include wins against Top 20 players Nadia Petrova (twice), Vera Zvonareva, Patty Schnyder and Paola Suarez. She finished 2004 ranked World #28.

Ana - Early Beginnings

2008-02-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

Ana was born November 6th, 1987 in Belgrade Serbia. She was born in a family of Montengrin descent as first child of mother Dragana (lawyer by profession) and father Miroslav (businessman). Ana has a younger brother Milos with whom she loves to play basketball. Her inspiration to begin playing tennis was former #1 Monika Seles who was born in Novi Sad Serbia, 80kms north of Ana's home-town.

The legend has it that Ana started playing tennis at the age of 5 after watching Monika Seles at Roland Gaross on television. In 1999 during bombardement of Serbia, she trained in the mornings to avoid afternoon alerts. Ana said she trained in abandoned swimmin pool in the winter not having where else to train. Ana become fully dedicated to tennis. At the age of 15 Ana spent 4 hours in the locker room crying after a defeat as she thought that Dan Holzmann was to drop her feeling that she wasn't good enough to become a professional tennis player.

Dan stayed her manager from her early beginning on the path of success to where she is now, World #2.

In 2003 Ana made pro debut on ITF Circuit, also Tour debut (Luxembourg qualifying).

2004 was the year of her break through. She finished in Top 100 in first full season on the Tour, making the biggest ranking jump of any player in 2004 (608 spots). Ranked World #156 qualifier at Zürich (third career main draw after Vienna, Birmingham earlier in season), she upset World #29 Golovin winning 2 sets to 1 (7:5 6:7(2) 7:6(3)) in 1st round (overcame 5-1 third-set deficit, 2 match point), later lost to V.Williams 7:6(11) 7:6(6) in 2 round (held five set points in first set and three in second set tie-break). A week after she made Tour QF debut at Luxembourg where she lost to Medina Garrigues. November 1st saw her made Top 100 debut ranked #96).

She started season winning first 21 matches and three titles, $10.000 ITF/Mallorca 2-ESP, $50.000 ITF/Gifu-JPN (as qualifier) and $50.000 ITF/Fukuoka-JPN (as qualifier), won two more $50.000 ITF Circuit titles (ITF/Fano-ITA, ITF/Batumi-GEO) prior to qualifying for Zürich.

She became better known in the world of tennis reaching the final of the Junior Wimbledon Tournament in 2004 where she lost to Kateryna Bondarenko. She was 26-0 on the Challenger circuit winning all 4 events she participated in.

Two Tennis Princesses - Fairy Tale Of Sports Success

2008-02-06T09:44:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, two young girls grew up in a country called Yugoslavia with the dream of becoming Tennis Stars. Their names are Ana and Jelena. Two little girls did not know each other. During their childhoood a fellow Yugoslav tennis idol #1 WTA Player Monica Seles impressed the Nation with the plays. One day after watching Monica play on Roland Gaross on TV, 5 year old Ana decided to train tennis and... to cut the story short, one decade later those two little girls grew up to be the World Top Players :)

Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic have much than more in common. They are coming from the some country (Serbia), same city (Belgrade), are closely the same age (20 and 22), above all they raised together into the Tennis Elite. As they went up in the rankings, one time Ana would take the lead, next time Jelena, all the way up to where they are now, within the Top 5 World Tennis Players. As of today, February 6th, it's Ana that has got the lead ranked 2nd while Jelena is 4th.

Join us on a journey of Tennis through which Ana and Jelena will lead this Blog dedicated to them to follow with each playing step they make.

.................................................................................................
Blog about the Gentleman among the Ladies can be found here: Novak Djokovic Tennis