Jelena Jankovic not ruling out comeback after Novak Djokovic doubles alliance in Belgrade

Peter Thompson

Jelena Jankovic not ruling out comeback after Novak Djokovic doubles alliance in Belgrade image

Jelena Jankovic says "the door is open" for her to resume her tennis career after the former world number one made a long-awaited return to partner Novak Djokovic on Friday.

Jankovic has not played competitively since losing to Petra Kvitova in the first round of the 2017 US Open due to a back injury.

The 35-year-old showed she may not be finished yet when she linked up with Djokovic for a doubles match at a charity event in her hometown of Belgrade.

Jankovic, a winner of 15 WTA singles titles, savoured being back on court and is not ruling out making a professional comeback.

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She said: "This is the first time I've held a tennis racket in a very long time and I was as overjoyed as a child in a candy shop.

"It felt like the very first time. I was sidelined by a back injury which not only hampered my tennis career, it was so bad I couldn't walk properly or sleep.

"I've made a full recovery but I don't know if this is a comeback. The door is open, I never officially retired but I am living a different life now."

 

Peter Thompson