Tennis stars from Serbia, Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic, are welcoming the new season with tough losses and illness.

Jankovic is lacking match practice ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, having played only one singles match in 2009.

"I have been feeling weak and sick for a couple of days," said Jankovic, who pulled out of the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong with flu. "I really have been trying my best to go on the court but I feel slow."

The world number one, still seeking her first Grand Slam title, added: "It's disappointing because I take care to try to play some matches and try to work on my game and get ready for the big Grand Slams but sometimes it's bad luck. What can I do?"  Oh, poor JJ.

As for the world number five Ivanovic, she has been suffering from stomach illness, and partly blames it for her quarterfinal loss to Amelie Mauresmo at the Brisbane International.

The 21-year-old, who has already arrived in Melbourne, said she would rest before playing practice matches to build momentum for the Australian Open.

"I had a little bit of a stomach illness but now I feel better," Ivanovic said.

"I think it was very long match the night before. It was hot and humid and I was dehydrated and just felt very dizzy. But I'm feeling OK.

"I'll have a few days off just to calm down. I don't want to take anything away from Amelie, because she played a great match and is a great player."

Despite health problems, Ivanovic is certain she will enter the Australian Open well-prepared.

I wish both Jelena and Ana fast recovery! It would be a shame if they weren't able to play their best at the Australian Open. (sources: BBC, Herald Sun, photos: Ralf Reinecke)

As you know, world No.1 Jelena Jankovic was demolished by Venus Williams on Thursday at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong.

Knowing how tough Jankovic’s preparations were, it was natural for us to expect at least a close fight, while the outcome was just close to embarrassment for Jankovic. According to the Serb herself, she is still not warmed up, while the American claims she has always been good right when season starts.

"I've always been a good player off the jump. That's always been the way I've played throughout my career," said Williams.

On the other hand, here's what Jankovic said after her first singles match of the 2009 season: "It was very hard to get into the match. I felt very slow on the court and didn't really get my rhythm out there. But it's the first match of the season so I can't expect myself to play the best tennis, which is normal."

Was this gap what made the score 6-2 6-2? We will get the best answer in Melbourne! (via Fox Sports, image: TennisPhotos)

Venus Williams was too strong for world No.1 Jelena Jankovic at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, defeating the Serb 6-2 6-2.

Was Jankovic’s hard training during the off-season fruitful enough? This loss makes me doubt that, although, the excuse could be that Jankovic wasn’t motivated enough because the JB Group Classic is only an exhibition event. The Australian Open will definitely be the best place for players to show what they’ve really got.

When you look at the score, this is Williams’ most decisive victory over Jankovic, although she trails Jankovic 4-5 in head-to-heads.

Jankovic’s loss means that Team Americas and Team Europe are now leveled at 1-1, as Team Europe won doubles yesterday. The winner of the clash between Gisela Dulko (Americas) and Agnes Szavay (Europe) will face Russia in the gold group final of the JB Group Classic. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images via Sony Ericsson WTA Tour)

Jelena Jankovic’s contract with Rebook has expired and there was no announcement on which brand would be her new sponsor. However, we have some hints!

Examining Jelena Jankovic’s new on-court fashion in today’s doubles match at the JB Group Classic in Hong Kong, we were perplexed because of not being able to determine which brand JJ was sporting. Thanks to the community over at Down the Line we have a resolution: the world No.1 was wearing a Chinese brand called Li Ning.

We’re still waiting for Jankovic herself to disclose whether Li Ning is really her new sponsor or she's wearing the brand temporarily.

Global sports and entertainment company IMG announced on Tuesday that world number one Jelena Jankovic has signed with them for exclusive, worldwide marketing and management representation effective January 1, 2009.

The 23-year-old Jankovic will also join IMG Models, the world's number one international model management firm.

"We are extremely pleased to add a player of Jelena's caliber to the list of great champions we represent. Her reputation, both on and off the court is unparalleled," said Fernando Soler, Head of IMG's Tennis Division.

"IMG is a global company and a leader not only in tennis, but entertainment, fashion and modeling as well. I'm very excited to partner IMG and look forward to working with them on a variety of exciting tennis, marketing and endorsement opportunities," said the tennis star from Serbia.

IMG, the leading client management company in tennis, represents some of the world's leading ATP and WTA players, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Venus Williams and James Blake. In addition, IMG owns, manages or represents many of the world's leading tournaments including Sony Ericsson Open, Australian Open, Chennai Open and Wimbledon, among many others. (source: Yahoo, photo: Ralf Reinecke)