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)
hm… what a coincidence. Both sick? I don’t want to hear any excuses JJ and Ana.
So sorry to hear that they are both sick. Jankovic is sick, I’m sure, 100 percent, because she had problems on her first match. As for Ana, I didn’t know she had stomach problems, but why would she lie????? I hope they’ll recover soon.
I don’t think they’re lying. It’s bad luck.
It would be a pity if they weren’t 100% ready for the AO. Especially now that Sharapova is out.