Jelena Jankovic recorded a 6-4 6-4 victory over sixth seed Samantha Stosur, favorite on paper, in the high-profile match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix to wrap up the first round of the $795,707 tournament. Coming off two excellent results at the recent Premier-level Miami (semis) and Charleston (final), the world No.18 Jankovic displayed solid form against Stosur, whose recovery from a calf strain is still questionable.
The match started with Stosur’s serve, and both players held up to 4-4, when Jankovic earned her first and only break point of the set, but it was enough for her to seal the deal, even though she did struggle to close the set, as she saved one break point, on her second set point she double-faulted, while the third chance she didn’t waste. Jankovic was great on winning points when her first serve was in, winning 19 of 22.
In the second set Jankovic quickly built a 3-1 lead, and the break in the third game of the set proved to be crucial. Jankovic did have an opportunity to finish the match on Stosur’s serve in the ninth game, leading 5-3, but Stosur fought off two match points, before Jankovic finally finished in the next game, after one hour and 36 minutes of play.
Next for Jankovic is Sabine Lisicki, whom she’s played and defeated three time so far, but all the meetings were in 2009.
In other notable first-rounders, fifth seed Petra Kvitova barely won against Annika Beck (who was coming off the Katowice semis), scoring a 7-5 6-7(0) 6-3 victory by finishing the match with 110 points won to Beck’s 109, while seventh seed Caroline Wozniacki fell to Carla Suarez Navarro 7-6(6) 6-1. (photo: © Neal Trousdale)
Finally both Ana and JJ playing relatively well at the same time! Really hope that they can both keep it up, tennis is so much better when they’re in the mix. Especially JJ, she amuses me like no other player does 😛
Woo hoo, what a win for JJ! She is really doing well this season. I wish she scored some big victories during 2013. So fun to watch! 🙂
I have never doubted that JJ would return to form. Just didn’t think it would take this long. My other favorite player has also made a return to form. JJ is a fighter and very enjoyable to watch. I have a good feeling about the French. Deep run hoping for title but will take whatever the result may be.
Great performance from JJ today, she was surprisingly solid throughout. I thought when she missed numerous break points on Stosur’s serve in the second set, she might fold on her own serve, but she kept her concentration and was on the ball today. JJ-Lisicki should be a lot of fun tomorrow 🙂
I’m also delighted to see JJ do well. We’ll see how it will be against Lisicki. Just like Bróna, I find JJ the most amusing player.