Date:26/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/26/stories/2008022660771900.htm

Sport - Tennis

Jankovic for Bangalore

BANGALORE: The World No. 4, Jelena Jankovic of Serbia will play in the Bangalore Open championship which gets underway here on March 3.

She becomes the highest ranked player to confirm her entry for the event ahead, the Williams sisters Venus (World No. 6) and Serena (No.7).

Announcing Jankovic’s participation, C.S. Sunder Raju, Tournament Director and Hon. Secretary of KSLTA, said “Jelena’s confirmation after Serena and Venus has put the event on a different plane altogether and she will start as one of the favourites here.” Since there have been no withdrawals from the main draw, Jankovic will either come in as a wildcard or a gold exempt in the tournament.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Jankovic said: “I’m very much excited about my first visit to India. I look forward to playing some tough tennis in front of passionate lovers of the game.” — Special Correspondent