When Jelena Jankovic accepted a wild card entry into the Monterrey Open, it appeared she might have an opportunity to get a confidence boost right before competing in the BNP Paribas Open. But tonight the top seed went out in the first round to Anastasija Sevastova, who defeated her 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Not to take anything away from Sevastova, whose game has apparently improved quite a bit, but this type of loss is just more of the same for the player so many of us thought was so riveting not that long ago. Jankovic used to be able to get just about anything back, and to turn defense into brilliant offense. Her serve needed work, and the irony here is that she actually improved it somewhat, only to see the rest of her game decrease in quality.
Whatever is wrong, here's hoping Jankovic finds a way to fix it, and to regain her confidence. She had a tough 2009, during which she experienced her mother's serious illness and her grandmother's death. Let's hope that the rest of 2010 goes better.
I was shocked when I saw the scores yesterday for Jankovic. I know she had some personal situations last year. But is being no 1 (except for Serena, although she is out injured) a curse? I mean Ivanovic, Jankovic, Safina-all problems since being no 1. I wish JJ the best to find her form. Maybe this is too early but have any of these people thought about a sports psychologist? I know Safina is injured but...
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