For Jelena Jankovic, less muscle means more success on the tennis court as last year’s US Open runner-up gears up for another run at her first Grand Slam title.
“I’m back to normal,” the fifth-seeded Serb told reporters after conquering Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-2 6-3 in her opening-round match at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday.
Jankovic decided that more strength would put her over the top against the likes of power-hitters like Serena Williams, so she gained 7kg of muscle but was not happy with the results.
PHOTO: EPA
“I wanted to be better in 2009. I thought being stronger physically will help me get a better serve, move better, hit harder, and all of these things. But for me it didn’t work out, which led to bad results,” Jankovic said.
“As well, I had some personal problems, too, which distracted me,” she said, alluding to an illness to her mother. “But now everything is clear. I’m enjoying again. I’m back on the courts with a smile on my face.”
Jankovic has cut out some gym time and the heavy weightlifting she was doing.
“I play my best tennis when I’m light on my feet, when I’m dynamic, when I can move. When you have the movement, you are on the ball, you have the balance, you can do whatever you like with the ball,” she said.
“When you’re slow, sluggish, you’re always late ... you are your biggest opponent. You don’t know what you’re doing out there. So now I’m doing good and I’m feeling good,” she said.
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