Serbian Jelena Jankovic is set to become the fourth former world No.1 to compete in a Hobart International singles draw.
The 31-year-old follows in the footsteps of American Tracy Austin in 1994, current world No.2 Serena Williams in 2007 and Russian Dinara Safina in 2011.
The Domain Tennis Centre has not proved a happy hunting ground for former No.1s. Both Austin and Safina were bundled out with straight-set round one losses. Williams lost in the quarterfinals to world No.56 Sybille Bammer in her visit – then famously went onto win the Australian Open a fortnight later, becoming only the second unseeded woman to do so in tournament history.
Jankovic, currently ranked No.55, is entering the 2017 season with high hopes and is targeting a title run in Hobart to restore her ranking.
“I have the game to play against the best players,” Jankovic told the Gulf News in Dubai at the end of the 2016 season.
“This is women’s tennis and things can be quite unpredictable. Look at how things have gone this year. We have a new world No.1 and a new year-end champion in Singapore. That’s the beauty of our sport.
“I don’t have points to defend in 2017, and if I play well and consistent, then I don’t see any reason why I cannot be back in the top 10.”
Belgian Kim Clijsters is the only player who reached No.1 to win a Hobart International singles title in the tournament’s 23-year history. She is one of six former world No.1’s who competed in the event before ascending to the top spot.
| World No.1’s | Hobart International results |
| Tracy Austin | 1994: First round |
| Amelie Mauresmo | 1998: Qualifying second round |
| Justine Henin | 2000: Quarterfinal |
| Kim Clijsters | 2000: Champion |
| Dinara Safina | 2005: Second round; 2011: First round |
| Serena Williams | 2007: Quarterfinal |
| Victoria Azarenka | 2007: Qualifying second round; 2008: First round |
| Angelique Kerber | 2008: Qualifying second round; 2011: Quarterfinal; 2012: Semifinal |
| Jelena Jankovic | 2017: ? |
Can Jankovic win the 2017 title? Join the #HobartTennis conversation and let us know your thoughts on Facebook or Twitter.