Jankovic in race to get fit for Melbourne

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 15:07

World No.1 Jelena Jankovic is in a race against time to regain full fitness before the first grand slam of 2009.

The Serb has been recovering from illness since she arrived in Melbourne on Sunday. The 23-year-old was forced to pull out of last weeks exhibition event in Hong Kong with a fever.

Jankovic said she had to abandon a training session on Monday and is hoping to shake off the illness before the Australian Open begins on January 19.

I tried to train on Monday but it was just terrible, Jankovic told her official website on Tuesday. I still had no energy and felt really bad on the court.

I went back to the doctor and got more medicine. I’m off the antibiotics now, and today I’m feeling a lot better.

I’m still stuffed up and coughing a little bit, but compared to how I was before, I’m really happy!

In practice today I was at least able to hit balls and move around more. Before, my legs were wobbly and I felt like the racket weighed 10 kilos in my hand!

I’m just happy to be back on the court again and trying to get my rhythm back as quickly as possible, because there’s only five or six days before the tournament begins.

I need to be as fit and healthy as I can for it.

The 2008 US Open runner-up went on to reveal she is still getting used to having a more developed body after hitting the gym over Christmas.

One thing that’s different this year is my physique, she added. I worked harder than ever in the off-season and feel so much stronger now.

My body has changed I have more muscles and I feel fitter. It’s new for me to feel like this, and it might take me a bit of time to adjust to it, but I’m hoping it will help me this year.

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