Jankovic All Set For Madrid Debut
MADRID, Spain - Jelena Jankovic has undoubtedly been one of the standout players of the 2007 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour season, compiling a staggering 72 victories and capturing four titles in the process. This season has also seen the Serb establish herself in the world's Top 5 and arrives in Madrid at a career-high ranking of No.3.
After opening up the year with an impressive title run in Auckland, Jankovic's season has been characterized by almost unrivaled consistency, with three more titles picked up in Charleston, Rome and Birmingham as well as an impressive semifinal showing on the Parisian clay of Roland Garros. The Serbian's athleticism and all court game has brought her success on all surfaces and after scoring victories over most of her principal rivals since the turn of the year she will arrive in the Spanish capital in typically buoyant mood.
Although Jankovic will be competing at the Sony Ericsson Championships for the first time in her career, after the year she has enjoyed she will certainly be among the favorites to life the prestigious trophy. Alongside world No.1 Justine Henin the 22-year-old from Belgrade was one of the first two players to qualify for the Spanish showpiece and few would bet against her adding to her burgeoning trophy cabinet a week on Sunday.
"I really cant believe I'm, No.3 in the world and qualified for the Sony Ericsson Championships at such an early point in the season, it's amazing," Jankovic eulogized. "At the beginning of last year I was going through a really tough time and was considering quitting the sport and 15 months later it has all turned around. I'm delighted to be part of such an elite event, where only the best players play, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world."
QUICK STATS
Race to the Sony Ericsson Championships standing: No.2
2007 Win-Loss Record: 72-22
2007 Highlights: Won (4): Auckland, Charleston, Rome, Birmingham; R-Up (4): Sydney, 's-Hertogenbosch, Toronto, Beijing; SF (7): Roland Garros, Dubai, Doha, Warsaw, Strasbourg, Los Angeles, Stuttgart
Championships history: Debut appearance
