Jankovic captures one of biggest titles in career against Safina to win in Cincy

No. 5 seed Jelena Jankovic surprisingly reached the final in Cincinnati, and after beating No. 1 seed Dinara Safina there, she clinched one of her biggest career wins at the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open.

Jankovic was not one of the favorites in Ohio, but made her way through after beating big names such as Victoria Azarenka and Elena Dementieva, and of course Dinara Safina. The Serb was not challenged by the Russian, winning with a score of 64 62.

"When I did the interview before the match, Pam Shriver asked me how I felt today after such a tough one last night. I said I wanted to believe I wasn't tired, that I'm fresh and ready to play," Jankovic said. "I was feeling sore this morning, but when I went on the court I felt fine. I'm really pleased I was able to play well and beat the No.1 player in the world. This is very good for my confidence going into Toronto and the US Open."

"I was very confident stepping onto the court, but then I was just totally off," Safina said. "There were a few moments were I was starting to get into the match, but she was using some good shots and hitting very close to the lines, also down the lines. She played some great tennis today."

Jankovic has now leveled the head-to-head results, which are now 3-3.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Singles - Final

(5) Jelena Jankovic (SRB) d. (1) Dinara Safina (RUS) 64 62