Jelena Jankovic defeated world number three and second seed Svetlana Kuznetsova 7-5 6-1 to win the Internazionali BNL d'Italia and join Justin Henin as the only WTA players who have won three tournaments this year. In January, Jankovic took the Tier IV title in Auckland, then the Tier I in Charleston last month, and today another Tier I in Rome.

Today's victory takes the 22-year-old Serb to number 4 in the world. In addition, this trophy, being her second on clay this year, establishes her as one of the favorites for Roland Garros.

As for Kuznetsova, this is the fourth final she lost in 2007. The Russian was also runner-up in Doha, Indian Wells, and Berlin. (source: ESPN)

The third-seeded JJ reached the final of Italian Open by beating Tamira Paszek, Alona Bondarenko, Elena Dementieva, and Patty Schnyder.

After beating Kuznetsova, Jelena was very excited. She said that the victory in Rome means a lot to her; last year, from late January to early May, she hasn't won a single match and she was thinking about quitting tennis!

Third-seeded Jelena Jankovic convincingly beat Patty Schnyder 6-1, 6-3 to advance to her first Rome final.

JJ showed a high level of tennis — she moved brilliantly, and with great precision hit the lines and the corners. The Swiss, on the other hand, failed to hold her serve once and had more than 30 unforced errors. Ok, she had some fantastic drop shots and serves, but that wasn't enough to level up her forehand and backhand errors.

"I was expecting a more difficult match," Jelena said afterwards.

To enter the semis the Swiss had a thrilling three set match against Serena Williams, so the Serbian paid tribute to Schnyder saying: "She played unbelievably yesterday and it's really hard to play two days in a row like she did."

JJ's shots were extremely precise, her concentration was on a great level and it's no wonder that she's ranked 5th in the world. On Sunday, the 22-year old will have a chance to fight for her second Tier I title — in mid-April she won the $1,340,000 Family Circle Cup. Her opponent in the final will be either second-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova or ninth-seeded Daniela Hantuchova.

If Jelena takes the trophy, she will move up to number four in the world. (source: Internazionali BNL d'Italia official site, BBC Sport)

Maria Sharapova has been sidelined by shoulder and hamstring injuries since the early April. Now she's finally coming back. World No. 2 will appear on clay for the first time this season; she'll play at the $200,000 Istanbul Cup which starts on May 21. Then, she flies to Paris to compete in the second Grand Slam of the year. (via Maria's official website)

Martina Hingis withdrew from the French Open, the only Grand Slam she hasn't won in her career. After losing to compatriot Patty Schnyder in Berlin, Martina admitted having back and hip injuries.

World No. 6 pulled out of the Italian Open, hoping she would recover till Roland Garros. However, the Swiss stated that she won't play in Paris unless she's 100% ready.

It seems she didn't manage to recover that quickly.

Samantha Stosur, ranked 29th in the world, caused the first major upset at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, defeating top-seeded Amelie Mauresmo in a nail-biting match that lasted almost three hours.

They played shot for shot, the result 75 67(4) 76(7) illustrates best how tight the match was. Both of them were close to victory several times. The Australian saved two match points. The French, later on, managed to save one match point, but lost the second one.

On paper, Mauremo was a heavy favorite — she's a former world No. 1 who grew up on clay. On the other hand, Stosur admits that clay isn't her preferred surface.

This is Samantha's first win over Amelie in their six meetings. It seems that Mauresmo still needs to get into rhythm after her two-month break caused by an appendix surgery. "I have nothing much to say but that I'm just disappointed, and obviously I guess the lack of matches showed a little bit at that moment," she said.

Both of them played well, but the Australian seemed to be emotionally stronger this time. I have to say that Stosur fascinated me with her mental stamina throughout the match. (sources: TennisX, BBC Sport)