This content was published 8 years ago. It may refer to a past edition of the Internazionali d’Italia.
Jelena Jankovic is known for being a dedicated follower of fashion and she did not disappoint in Rome on Tuesday. The Serbian turned up in a half and half dress that dazzled.
Sadly, the 2008 winner could not replicate that style on the court as she succumbed 6-4 2-6 6-3 to Eugenie Bouchard of Canada. Nevertheless Jankovic was happy just to be back playing following a shoulder problem.
“I think mentally and as well physically I went down in that third set,” she admitted. “I was getting physically tired and then mentally, as well, because I haven’t been playing matches, and as well I lost a little bit of strength and just being on the court for a while.
“Basically a month ago I could not lift my arm up. I could not wash my hair with the right hand. Now I’m able to serve. And, you know, last week I served twice as less powerful than I did today, which is much better but of course I need more time.
“The dress is Marion Bartoli’s, actually, design. Marion Bartoli’s. There is a couple of dresses that I have, and they are all kind of those prints. It’s pretty out there, pretty colorful, pretty interesting dresses. A little bit different to others. I’m wearing them.
“I’m happy to wear something that’s different, you know. You can also go out of the comfort zone and the classic ones. I like the classic, you know, as well. But it’s also nice to sometimes have a changeup and just wear something that’s not really typical print for a tennis dress.”
Bouchard now has other things on her mind and not just second seed Angelique Kerber in the second round.
“I lost my phone, and if you try to log on (to social media) a friend’s phone or a computer, it sends a verification code to your phone number which I don’t have. So it’s been a cleansing detox.
“I literally have not been on Instagram in a week, so you can imagine, as a 22-year-old, how tough that is. Not having my phone is just like unbelievable. I think it’s supposed to arrive today, though, when I go back to the hotel. Please cross your fingers for me. Hopefully it’s there. I will be posting lots of selfies as soon as I get it.”
Britain’s Johanna Konta warmed up for a match with Italy’s Roberta Vinci with a convincing 6-1 6-2 success over Johanna Larsson, winning the first 14 points.
“It will feel like a football match,” she said. “I have always said that just to have a crowd, whether it’s for you or against you, it doesn’t really matter. Just to have that noise, that energy, I think that’s the most exciting as a player.”
Elsewhere Sam Stosur of Australia needed three sets before beating American qualifier Alison Riske.
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