Jelena Jankovic downs both Williamses, edges Serena to reach Rome final

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Wilson Blade 9

Seventh seed Jelena Jankovic became the seventh player to beat both the Williams sisters in one tournament, having thrashed Venus 6-1 6-0 in yesterday’s quarterfinal and now beating world No.1 Serena to advance to the final of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome.

The world No.7 Jankovic, who is aiming for her third Rome title after winning here in 2007 and 2008, won the semifinal against top-seeded Serena Williams 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) after 2 hours 47 minutes and a third-set tiebreak.

In the first set Serena had one crucial break to win 6-4. Jankovic then broke Serena to love two times to take the second set 6-3. Then Jankovic seemed to be losing the decider, but came back from a set down to win tense tiebreak with an equally tense score 7-5.

Everyone is hoping for a repeat of old Serbian glory, and even though we can already taste it, we could have an opportunity for a real celebration if Rome would see an all-Serbian final. But for that, Ana Ivanovic has to overcome Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez which will not be an easy task.

10 COMMENTS

  1. Unfortunately, Ana lost 🙁 But still she was showing an impressive form during his week.
    JJ played amazing! Her match against Vee was one of her best matches ever I think. Vee was unable to do anything. Against Serena, it was wonderful match, too. Really enjoyable week of tennis 🙂

  2. AS the commentators said…whoever won between JJ and Serena is going to win the title!

    I think JJ can beat Sanchez because she is quicker than Ana and can read the game of her opponent faster and better!

    GOOO JJ…NICE RUN ANA! I am sure their game in Rome will repeat during RG!

    Cheers Marija…did u watch the match?

  3. OMG, hart attack! 😀 JJ is really great in Rome, hope that she’ll be even better on RG!!!

  4. Brilliant performance JJ! I have to say I was giving a slight edge to Serena because of her power but I’m delighted JJ won in the end. I think she will go on to win the whole thing. And also, thank God that Ana has regained her form, even though she lost today.

  5. Good and much needed wins, but there is still one tough player to beat. I watched today Maria JMS and she was really good.Mixing things up…playing smart dropshots, serve-volley,sometimes defensive game. Head to head is tied up to 1 win each with Jelena winning the last meeting in Fed cup last year.Unless Maria has a mental meltdown tomorrow (the greatest result of her career is this finals appearance)Jelena will have to work hard for her win.

  6. LuLinQa, you’re right, we shouldn’t be sad that Ana lost. This was a very good week for her.

    Bb, yes I watched both the semifinals. 😉

    Maja, imagine JJ winning RG! It would be great, but I still see it as a distant goal.

    Marine, JJ should win Rome. She has the game.

    Milan, MJMS will be a good opponent, but JJ should be able to pull it off.

    Rachel, haha, yeah I’m still more convinced Justine will win RG than JJ.

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