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From the Blog

World No8 Jelena Jankovic Enters Family Circle Cup

Her friendly demeanor and vibrant personality make Jelena Jankovic…or “JJ” as everyone calls her on the tour…one of my favorite players to photograph. Intense when she’s on the court, JJ is always laughing and joking around when she’s off it. Here’s a candid I shot of her during the Player Party last year at NV Lounge.

PRESS RELEASE:
Jelena Jankovic, World No. 8 and 2007 Family Circle Cup Champion,
has officially entered the 2014 tournament. Jankovic joins World No. 1 and defending
champion, Serena Williams, in a first-class player field assembling on Daniel Island. Marking
the tournament’s 42nd consecutive year, the Family Circle Cup is scheduled March 29 – April 6,
2014 at the Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston, SC.
Jankovic had a resurgent 2013 season, ending it as a semi-finalist in the WTA Championships.
Beginning the year outside the top 20, she finished the season in the top 10, at No. 8. Jankovic
quietly began her reappearance at the top of women’s tennis in February, when she collected
her 13th WTA Tour title in Bogota. After her title run, her on-court confidence translated to a
finals appearance in Charleston and a quarterfinal showing in Rome.
Using her trademark speed and clay court prowess, Jankovic also booked a spot in the Roland
Garros quarterfinal, marking her first return to the final eight of a Grand Slam since 2010. She
then finished in the semifinals in Nurnberg and Cincinnati before making it to the finals in
Beijing, and booking an elite eight spot at the WTA Championships.
“Jelena Jankovic‘s 2013 season has made for some thrilling tennis matches to watch,” said
Eleanor Adams, Family Circle Cup Tournament Manager. “Her personality draws fans in, but
her powerhouse tennis skills are what makes them continue to cheer for her. The Family Circle
Cup is excited to welcome Jelena back, at the top of her game, to Charleston for the tenth time.”
Jankovic has made nine previous appearances in Charleston, where she holds an 18-8 record
and the 2007 singles title. Throughout the Serbian’s 14-year WTA career, she has accumulated
13 singles titles, 530 singles victories, more than $15.3 million in prize money and a World No. 1
ranking in 2008.
“The Family Circle Cup is such a special tournament to me, and I always have so much fun in
Charleston,” said Jankovic. “I’m already looking forward to being back there this spring; the
tournament has the greatest fans, and I’m excited for another shot at its historic title.”