Jankovic Celebrates 23rd Birthday with Win at Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships

Dubai, UAE, February 28th, 2008: Jelena Jankovic enjoyed an unexpected 23rd birthday present on Thursday when she advanced to the semi-finals of the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships when her opponent retired after the opening set.

The fourth seeded Serb was leading 6-1 when sixth seed Anna Chakvetadze of Russia called the trainer, and then quit the match because of a left thigh injury.

That gave Jankovic even more of a reason to celebrate, after she had walked on court to an ovation from the fans.

“I came on court today and everybody started singing and everybody’s in a good mood and saying I have to win because it’s my birthday,” she said. “It’s very strange to play on your birthday because if you don’t win you’re very disappointed and it’s not a good way to celebrate the day, but I got through the day so it’s good.”

After the match she was presented with a cake on court, which she shared with her Serbian fans.

“They told me too that they had a huge cake for me in the garden, and drinks, and it’s very nice of them to come. I hadn’t told anyone it was my birthday because I’m shy. Then I come and court and everybody started singing, so there you go. It’s very nice and I really appreciate their support.

“Obviously on my birthday I would prefer to be at home with my family and friends in my own country but it doesn’t happen, so it’s a nice way to share it with the Serbian fans and all the other people that are here.”

Jankovic will now play Svetlana Kuznetsova in the semi-finals, after the second seeded Russian held off a strong second set challenge to beat former champion Amelie Mauresmo of France 6-1 7-6.

The Russian took charge of the opening set by quickly establishing a 3-0 lead, and after breaking in the second game the umpire over-ruled to give Kuznetsova the point and another break at 4-1.

Mauresmo was more aggressive in the second set, often coming to the net, but it was Kuznetsova who broke first to lead 3-2. But Mauresmo took advantage of some casual play from her opponent to win the next three games to lead 5-3.

In a close ninth game, Kuznetsova held off a set point and then broke, struggled to hold for 5-5, and then edged the tiebreak, claiming victory on her second match point.

“She changed her tactics in the second set and started to come in more from the first serve,” Kuznetsova said. “She played better, but I was not moving well in the second set. I did more than a few unforced errors, but then I was lucky that I played good in the important moments.”