JANKOVIC WINS FOR SERBIA

Jelena Jankovic has led Serbia to a one – nil lead over Russia in their Federation cup tie. The number one Serb seed outclassed yer younger Russian opponent Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, taking her down in strait sets.

The match, which is being played in Russia, is one of the Semi Finals currently being played with Italy and the Czech Republic contesting the other.

Despite her high ranking, this is the first time that the highest ranked female tennis player in the world has managed to beat Pavlyuchenkova. The fact that she hasnt beaten the Rusisan before can’t be put down to lack of opportunity with the two players haveing previously played three times.

“I lost three of my previous meetings with Nastia (Pavlyuchenkova) at hardcourts,” said Jankovic said. “This time we played in red clay and though the court was not perfect it fits my tennis better than any other surface.”

The fact the game is being played on a surface which favors the Serb isn’t actually surprising. Under the rules of the Federation Cup the home side gets to pick which surface the game is played on. The home court advantage team alternates between the two countries meaning that next time Russia and Sebia meet it will be on Serbian soil. With Jankovic and Djokovic, Serbia have to be one of the best tennis bets to win the tournament.

Early signs actually favored the Russian with Pavlyuchenkova managing to score an early break. However she was unable to keep the momentum and the match quickly swung in Jankovic’s favour. The serb managed to break back in the third game and went on to win both the set and the Match.