view photoNEW YORK (Reuters) - Ever-smiling Serb Jelena Jankovic dwelt on the positives after losing the U.S. Open women's final to Serena Williams 6-4 7-5 on Sunday.
Although the 23-year-old squandered four set points in the second set before being overpowered by the American, she was delighted to have reached her first grand slam final.
view photo"I had a great two weeks," Jankovic told reporters. "I really fought hard out there every match and tonight I gave everything I had. Unfortunately it was not enough.
"Tonight was special because it was my first final of a grand slam but I did not look at it that way. I really went out there like it's just another final of a tournament.
"We had great points and it was entertaining tennis out there. But she was the better one tonight.
"I had my chances in the first set and in the second set as well, and also some unlucky points. I should have won them but I didn't. I let my opportunities slip away."
Jankovic, who booked her place in the final with a 6-4 6-4 win over Russian Elena Dementieva, stretched out the rallies in the second set with her terrier-like retrieving but failed to take advantage while Williams became noticeably fatigued.
"I felt she was tired and I really had my chances," the Serb said. "I really was a little bit upset about the umpire, you know. She (Williams) took quite a lot of time in between the points and I thought it was not fair.
TIME VIOLATION
"When I played against Dementieva and I just went to take the towel, I received a time violation. I think it should be (the same) for all the players if she goes and takes more than 15 seconds, and not once but many times.
"She took her time to recover and get back. But you can talk all day about this. I lost, she won. That's what counts."
Jankovic, who beat Williams on the way to the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, was pleased to bury memories of a series of niggles earlier in the season.
"Overall I was happy that I made it to the finals, especially as I struggled a lot this year," she said. "I had a lot of injuries and all these problems and I really worked hard to be here on this stage.
"I'm proud of that and it will hopefully give me a lot motivation to continue to work hard. Hopefully I can be healthy and work hard on my game and become an even better player."
Jankovic was unaware of the value of the runner-up's prize at the U.S. Open but, after being told she would receive $750,000, she quickly settled on her next task.
"Now I have a lot of money to spend," she said with a broad grin. "Tomorrow is my day to go shopping."
(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Comment 1 - 15 of 15
Some Dude:
Yow dude look here, you just post your comments and shot up.
You aint gotta tell me @#$% about what I posted or wrote.... beside, about that "good try...." thing I posted, I didn't meant to offend anyone anyhow, it simply means that she tried very good but if she is to come up against someone as "SERENA" next time, she gonna have to try much harder.
How you saw it is wrong. I know she's a good player and all that, she's only 23 and definitely gonna pick up grant slams along the way, amin even a non fan can see that.
But that thing about "ma parents" no matter how u break it down, it aint cool.
Anyway peace......
@akay.fives
First of all I NEVER say your mom, mum, pa, pop or similar. I said "your parents".
You cant always win, is something that is related with your next time try harder, since there will be next time, and current score say JJ can beat Serena. So she will lose from JJ sooner or later. So try reading whole post before you start flames. But if you wish:
"Those two have record of 4-3 in favour of Serena, so she is not unbeatable, nor any player was so i can bet there will be next time for both of them. After all, you might know that "You cant always win!"... Otherwise you wouldnt know how to cherish victory..."
If that will make you feel better
Now, as for that "funk", "screw" and similar "slang", try writing up something that doesn involves cursing. Is there any need for that? Did i said anything similar in my previous post? Dont think so. So try to avoid it next time...
great game from jj... she was up against a die hard player and she did her best. when i saw serena beat venus i knew there was no stoping her...she is da best right now. they both great player
some Dude:
Hey look dude, dont screw with me rite, what tha funk you mean by " if ma mum didn't teach me that".
OH my word, Jelena played so well, she reminded me of Nadal so much the way that she returned every single ball and smiling all the way. Serena was the best in the tournament but Jelena will definately get her grand slam soon. All the best to them ladies.
Scourge Werepire.... Please give me your hand for my Congratulations!
Your comment is NO1!!!
Make Love not War on sport channel!
Mercy for great tennis Jelena & Serena!
Good try Jelena you are the best YOU ARE THE BEST!
YOU WILL WIN THE MASTERS!
I love the Williams sisters, they have won so much... but i must congratulate Jelena for making her first final... She did not lose to a normal player, she lost to S. Williams...and that must be held in regard.
Congratulations Serena and Jelena
peace
Oh silly comments do not matter now and ever! Serena Williams is the best player on the planet! She took her time between points cos the crowd was loud! Aint no way in hell was Serena going to start serving when it was clearly so so so loud! She's the best DIVA of tennis, Diva all the day! Congratulations Serena!! I knew u would win but I got it wrong on Rafa. Anywhooo! Serena and Rafa are the number one players in the World today!Bravo!! Am the happiest person in the World.....
There will be more GS finals for you Jelena!! Just play like these two weeks!! You-re the best!!
@Some Dude
Nicely said :) JJ is a great player, and she was playing very, very good, I mean the match was excellent. Jelena will win, this was her first GS final and she made it hard for Serena. Just imagine if it wasn't her first how would've she played. Go and spend your money, you've deserved it.
@akay.fives
You know im looking at your posts here and there, and i finaly know the reason why EVERY comments here turns out to flame, racism and political discussion. That like that you posted doesnt even deserved to be posted here. What does that mean? "HA" ? You think you are very funny man (or woman) dont you?. What EXACTLY you didnt like it this match? This match was one of the best, if not the best, match on womans US open. I wish it lasted for more even that it was 3AM in Serbia when it started. If you read ANYTHING related to JJ plays you would know that she is only player on WTA list that actually HAVE FUN playing(you could see that occasionally with Henin). I rarely see any other woman player that smiles through whole rally of 22 strokes. Even if she lose you can see smile on her face.
Serena did make great comeback, and that is nice for her. She showed great tennis and she deserved this win. (see its not hard to comment positive on opponent thats not your favorite).
And as of that "Good try..." thing... Oh you can be rest assured there will be next tries. Those two have record of 4-3 in favour of Serena, so she is not unbeatable, nor any player was so i can bet there will be next time for both of them. After all, if your parents didnt thought you that, let me tell you: You cant always win! Otherwise you wouldnt know how to cherish victory...
Now please spare us with that "vit-Roddick-alike" comments please...
Good try, next time try harder. HA!
even in defeat Jelena is gracious and upbeat still my fave player on tour ,she looks like she always enjoys it out there on court .
Im proud of u mam jj you're still my no. 1
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