Jankovic: Serena revenge is sweet
Fast talking Serbian Jelena Jankovic has revelled in her straight sets Australian Open quarter final triumph over defending champion Serena Williams, claiming ‘revenge’ for losing to the American in the fourth round of last years opening slam.
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Jankovic took advantage of a lethargic Williams, breaking the 7th seed’s serve a staggering seven times out of ten service games. The world number four has something of an edge over Serena, scoring her third win against Williams in five meetings. “I’ve beaten the Williams sisters a couple times, but here it is very special, because last year actually in this tournament in the fourth round I lost to her,” Jankovic said.
“Now, getting revenge it feels so good”
Jankovic has more of a reputation for consistency rather than winning trophies, but her record in grand slam quarter finals has improved to a healthy 3-1.
“I came out very strong, and I was going for my shots, especially my backhand down the line was working unbelievably, that’s how I hurt my opponent.”
A fit of nerves struck Jankovic, when the Serbian failed to hold serve at 5-3 in the second set, however the 3rd seed said the nerves really got to her once the victory was in the bag.
“I did get shaky actually after the match. I went to her chair. I was so lost,” Jankovic said. “I was like, ‘I didn’t even know where I am now’. I was so shaking.”
The tournament has been a battle for Jankovic from the opening day, where she was fortunate to survive a marathon three-setter against Austrian Tamira Paszek, who blew countless chances to knock Jankovic out. An ongoing thigh/buttock injury has caused problems in each of Jankovic’s matches, however the Serbian took a thinly veiled swipe at her doubters.
“I’ve been going into matches and people have been saying other girls are the favourite, Casey (Dellacqua) had a chance against me, and Razzano was the winner. All these other girls who I played had the advantage over me for some reason.
“Though I was better ranked on the paper, but they just knowing that I’m injured they think that I cannot play.
“The most important thing is that I fight on the court, and I always give my best and I never give up.
Those are the qualities that got me through the semi final.
“I’m like a wounded animal, I still keep going.”
Jankovic will play either top seed Justine Henin or Maria Sharapova in the semis, with the Serbian assured of once again taking the role of underdog no matter who the opponent. Fatigue will be a big question mark, with Jankovic admitting her physical problems go beyond her troublesome thigh.
“I cannot give you all the details, because if I would begin I would never stop.
“I think I need to change my oil and my wheels. They’re a little bit old.”
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