Jankovic puts friendship aside as she reaches Hong Kong Open quarter-finals
The Serbian defeats her friend and training partner, Aleksandra Krunic, in a hard-fought victory at the US$250,000 International series event at Victoria Park to earn a potential showdown with Venus Williams
Jelena Jankovic overcame her frustrations and her friend on a rainy day at the Prudential Hong Kong Open on Wednesday as she beat fellow Serbian Aleksandra Krunic in a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4 win to reach the quarter-finals of the US$250,000 International series event.
The reigning champion stayed on course to defend her title wrapping up the win against her doubles partner and former protege in 86 minutes.
Jankovic says the 23-year-old Krunic has a big future in the game and on the evidence of some deft play and smart shot selection that forced the 31-year-old to dig deep on several occasions she could be right.
“She’s a player who is very talented and I’ve known her a long time,” said Jankovic. “I used to be her mentor and now I play against her. It’s amazing to see her grow up and come to this stage.
Watch: Jelena Jankovic defeating compatriot Aleksandra Krunic
“I don’t like to play against someone who is my friend. It’s never easy. I prefer to play someone else, but she played really well.”