The Domain Tennis Centre has not proved a happy hunting ground for former world No.1’s – and Jelena Jankovic’s first visit has followed that trend. The Serbian was knocked out of the tournament in the first round today by Romanian Monica Niculescu 6-2 6-3.
“I didn’t really feel comfortable out there,” Jankovic conceded after the loss. “I played against a player who is really tricky, playing those slices, drop shots, high balls and a lot of change of pace. I was very nervous, I was not feeling my game, I wasn’t being myself out there.
“It wasn’t my day and my opponent was very solid and hitting ball after ball and it was always coming back. I just wasn’t good enough from my side.”
Jankovic, who spent 18 weeks at world No.1 between 2008 and 2009, is the fourth former world No.1 to compete in the Hobart International in the tournament’s 24-year history. Tracy Austin lost in the first round in 1994, as did Dinara Safina in 2011. Serena Williams reached the quarterfinals in her visit in 2007.
Jankovic, now ranked No.54, admitted she found the conditions challenging.
“I haven’t played much and it was just my second match of the year,” Jankovic said.
“The wind didn’t help – it wasn’t consistently there, but at times it starts to swirl and just comes from nowhere and I had a tough time.”
Niculescu, who is competing in Hobart for an eighth time and spent her offseason practicing indoor in Romania, also admitted the conditions made it difficult. The third seed needed one hour and 40 minutes to overcome Jankovic and said the scoreline did not reflect how close the match was.
“There were many rallies,” the world No.38 said. “She had some chances in the second set, but I stay focused and tried to figure it out with the wind.
“I’m happy I’m in the second round, it was not an easy draw.”
Niculescu plays either Australian wildcard Jaimee Fourlis or former Wimbledon semifinalist Kirsten Flipkens in the second round.