First Round Exit

Jelena Jankovic’s Number 1 days seem a millions miles away as she’s ousted in first round at Wimbledon.

It is fair to say that Jankovic’s tennis career has seen better days. 2008 saw her at the top of her game, and of the tennis world, but since then her performances have slowly deteriorated as she’s had to step aside for the likes of Sharapova, Azarenka and Kvitova to shine at the top.

Although this year she managed to reach the quarter finals at Brisbane, she made a hasty exit from Sydney and the Australian Open not managing to make an impact at either. Following this, she had to withdraw from Paris due to a thigh injury and relinquished any chance of succeeding at Doha as she was defeated in the first round.

Her Wimbledon efforts this year were just as disappointing. Faced against Clijsters of Belgium in the first round, Jankovic could have expected a tough but attainable win, yet Clijster took control of the game from the onset. The first set was taken by the Belgium 6-2; an effortless performance which Jankovic was unable to restrain. The second set saw an improved attempt from Jankovic, and she took four games, however this was in vein as Clijster stormed through and won the second set 6-4.

Jankovic must now elicit the aspects of her game-plan that are causing a decline to her confidence and ability to win. This is integral if she is to contend with her rivals, to champion at another tournament and to regain that number one spot. Currently without a coach, achieving any of these goals is an onerous feat, especially when battling with such strong, driven and passionate players.