Jelena Jankovic Photo: CFP
Former world No.1 Jelena Jankovic on Monday made it clear that she has not given up hope of regaining her former status after making a winning start in Dubai.
The extrovert Serbian overcame Czech Petra Cetkovska 6-2, 6-2 to reach the second round of the WTA Dubai Open, where she once reached the final.
Jankovic was in good form, hitting ground strokes with good rhythm despite the cold conditions.
"I don't know what's happened to the weather here," she said. "I love it here. But it was very cold and it was windy out there, and it's been a bit crazy with the dust too.
"I have been eating kilos of dust when I've been training. It's not the same as some of the desserts!"
Jankovic also moved fairly well despite that she suffered an injury at the Fed Cup two weeks ago.
Remaining fit is the key to her climbing from her current world ranking of 14 to challenge for the top spot again.
"I wish. It's my biggest wish. But sometimes there are things you can't control."