Former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic has arrived in Hobart for the first time – and has immediately fallen in love with the city.
“I’ve never been in this part of the world, so it’s nice to have this experience,” she said as she explored the Salamanca Markets this morning. “I love coming to Australia. It’s a beautiful country.”
The 31-year-old Serbian is the fourth former world No.1 to ever compete in the tournament. She is currently ranked No.54 after a horrid run with injuries during 2016.
“I’m trying to comeback and get as many matches as possible before Melbourne,” Jankovic explained of her reason to add Hobart to her schedule for the first time.
“For me in this moment every tournament is important. I want to play the best that I can and get as many matches as I can under my belt and get the confidence that is needed before entering a big event.”
Hey Hobart it's @jelena_jankovic! I'm doin' it #TassieStyle at the Salamanca Markets. I love this city! #HobartTennis pic.twitter.com/yMEMhoLhAw
— Hobart International (@HobartTennis) January 6, 2017
Jankovic revealed she had heard positive reports on the tournament from fellow WTA players.
“I’ve heard it’s a really nice city. The only thing I have heard from the players that was not so nice, is that it can get quite windy,” she laughed. “So far the weather has been beautiful, maybe I brought the sun this year. Hopefully it stays this way and we can enjoy some good tennis.”
A top 30 fixture for 12 consecutive seasons prior to 2016, Jankovic admitted she found her recent injuries and ranking drop frustrating.
“Mentally you get down as well as you know you’re not at the level you should be, so it’s a process for me and hopefully over time I’ll get to where I would like to be,” she said.
The signs are good that she can. Jankovic pushed world No.4 Simona Halep to three sets in Shenzhen in her first tournament of the new season and arrives in Hobart feeling fit and ready.
“I know how to play, it’s more of feeling confident, being match tough and dealing with those situations day in, day out,” she said when asked what she needed to do to return to the top of the rankings.
“Hopefully I can start well this year and get better and better.”
Her first challenge here is third seed Monica Niculescu, the world No.38 who is competing in Hobart for an eighth year.
“She’s a very tricky player, a very crafty player with all the slices and drop shots,” Jankovic said of her Romanian opponent. “She has quite a unique style of play and it won’t be an easy match.”
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