Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Jankovic finds form in Stuttgart

Jelena Jankovic
Jankovic has started the clay season well after struggling for form

Jelena Jankovic enjoyed a comfortable start to the defence of her title at the Stuttgart Grand Prix as she thrashed Dominika Cibulkova 6-1 6-1.

The Serb has slipped from top spot to fourth in the world this year, but won her first title of 2009 last time out in Marbella and impressed on Wednesday.

Gisela Dulko surprised fourth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-4 6-3.

"I have struggled for form recently and it is important to enjoy my tennis and I enjoyed that today," said Jankovic.

606: DEBATE

"I expected a tough match, because in the past she has given me trouble, but I was serving well and I am happy to be back on clay, it feels like my form is returning."

Jankovic will next play Germany's Sabine Lisicki after the world number 42 swept into the second round with a convincing 6-4 6-3 win over Switzerland's Patty Schnyder.

Miami champion Azarenka was no match for Dulko in the only event on the circuit to be played on indoor clay.

"I love it," said the Argentine. "No wind, no sun. She won a lot of matches this year but I feel confident on clay. Everything worked for me."

Fifth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova beat Andrea Petkovic 6-4 5-7 6-1, and sixth seed Nadia Petrova defeated Zheng Jie 6-4 5-7 6-4.

Top seeds Dinara Safina and Elena Dementieva will play on Thursday.

No comments: