Jelena Jankovic grabs last spot in Doha with Zvonareva loss
Vera Zvonareva lost to Tsvetana Pironkova 6-0 6-2 in the second round of the Kremlin Cup, which automatically qualified Jelana Jankovic for the Sony Ericsson Championships.
Jankovic is now five points ahead of Zvonareva in the race to the Sony Ericsson Championships and will be among the elite eight players of the season competing in the singles competition in Doha. The Serb has joined Dinara Safina, Serena Williams, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Dementieva, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Venus Williams and Victoria Azarenka.
Russian Zvonareva, top seed at the Kremlin Cup, lost to Bulgarian qualifier Pironkova who secured only her fourth win on tour this season and her first since April. Still, Zvonareva is not disappointed about the outcome: "Maybe I'm even happy. Finally I will have time to restore my health and start the new season in full strength."
Defending Kremlin Cup champion Jankovic, who has now qualified for the season-ending Championships for the third time in her career, followed up her guaranteed qualification by beating Lucie Safarova 7-6(5) 6-3 in the second round in Moscow.
Zvonareva and Agnieszka Radwanska will be alternates for the Sony Ericsson Championships. They both had their chance to earn that last Doha berth at the Kremlin Cup, but Jankovic prevailed. (source: BBC, photo: Ralf Reinecke)
Couldn't be happier right now!! Go JJ!
JJ into Doha
has anybody heard Kirilenko's screech? I hate it!
I knew JJ would make it! She is back in form and has serious chances of claiming the title both in MOscow and in Doha! GO JJ!
thanks for this article Marija! Have a great DAY!
I'm with you Macho Nacho!!.. Kirilenko's screech its annoying! She's beautiful, but come onnn!
nice bb, not sure about Moscow, but def. Doha! Has to be a surprise when she win a tournament
I think the quote from Zvonareva was good. She has had injury problems since going into RG, so maybe rest and a new season will get her back on track. I am worried about Jankovic because she has played so much before Doha and also because she had an injury in Tokyo. Hope she is healthy. Basically I hope the whole field is healthy as it makes for a better tournament. Don't know about Wozniacki though because of her hamstring injury.
So now that we have a complete list what are your tips for a winner?
I think Dinara or Venus could do it.
I'm back! I think Serena will do it. No way will Dinara win, as if she can beat half the girls in the top 8. I acutally think Jelena might even have a chance?
jankovic lost…. I KNEW IT!!!
[...] after qualifying for the Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha, Jelena Jankovic crashed out of the Kremlin Cup, losing to Alisa Kleybanova 6-4 6-3 in the [...]
Bb, so much about JJ's serious chances.
She lost to Kleybanova in straigts.
Sunny, I agree, sometimes it's better to sacrifice something for a higher goal.
Marine, I would go for Serena. Dinara is too fragile, and Venus…well, could be.
Jacob, as for Jelena, hmmm, my expectations are not high, but you never know.
Macho Nacho, haha, nobody's loss in women's tennis is a surprise nowadays.
I agree Dinara is fragile, but I think there is a lot of will in her to finally vanquish her demons. In my view Serena won't do it, there is too much competition this is not a slam we have to remember…
Marine, could be. I definitely wouldn't mind Dinara winning.