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Jankovic out of Australian Open


 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:15

The 16th seed completely outclassed her more illustrious opponent in the first set as Jankovic appeared somewhat out of sorts. The Serb proved more competitive in the second but a combination of crucial errors and fine play from Bartoli ensured Jankovic’s quest for a maiden grand slam will continue.

Bartoli said: “I just played amazingly today and I’m so happy that I could put in a good performance. I just tried to play my game and hang tough. I knew Jelena would fight until the end and the last game was really tough but I served really well in the last game.”

Bartoli broke Jankovic on her opening service game, producing a fierce backhand to take the early advantage. The Frenchwoman’s backhand was working well and a fine cross-court winner was followed by a delightful lob as she consolidated with a hold.

Bartoli again broke the world number one before the latter finally got going in the fifth game but could not convert three break points as her opponent battled back to establish a 5-0 lead.

Jankovic survived two set points to finally take her first game of the match but it proved a temporary respite as Bartoli closed out the set in just 31 minutes.

Jankovic was clearly becoming increasingly frustrated by Bartoli’s pinpoint ground strokes but held her serve in the opening game of the second. However the 16th seed claimed another break in the third, Jankovic producing a double fault with her opponent standing almost on the service line to receive the Serb’s second serve.

A backhand pass down the line saw Jankovic claim her opponent’s serve and the world number one then dug deep to hold but Bartoli broke again in seventh game to take a 4-3 lead.

However, Jankovic converted the second of two break points with a backhand to reignite hopes of a comeback.

But a lengthy deuce on the top seed’s next service game went the way of the Frenchwoman and she subsequently served out the match to claim an impressive victory.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.