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The former No. 1 in the world has slipped to number six and hasn't really shown signs of returning to the top of the rankings. She has logged a lot of matches the last couple of years, and seems to have flamed out.
That is why you can never assume that you will continue to get opportunities to win grand slams when you don't take advantage other chances that you have had. You never know what can happen.
Jankovic has a great tennis IQ, but really lacks the weapons to completely impose her will on her opponent. If she gets into a hitting contest with the top players, most of the time she will lose.
She has improved her serve the last year and a half, but it is not enough. I would be surprised if she made it to the semi's, but stranger things have happened. Jankovic needs to reinvent herself and her game so that she can get back into the equation as far as the majors are concerned.
If you are losing ground, it makes no sense to keep doing the same thing the same way because it is obviously not working.
She is a great competitor, but I would have to label her as a pretender, not a contender.
Other Pretenders
Elena Dementieva - great athlete, and great ground game. Her serve doesn't pose a real threat. Capable of pulling the upset, but has problems putting everything together in the big matches.
Nadia Petrova - good ball striker, and able to put pressure on her opponent, but has had trouble closing out matches against ranked opponents in the past.
Ana Ivanovic - The free spirited Ivanovic has all the goods to be a multiple grand slam champion. The question is whether she wants it bad enough, and is she willing to put the work in necessary to consistently play at the level.
It seems as if she needs more of a competitive edge. She has a good tennis IQ as well. That is why it is surprising that she hasn't gotten results, and that it doesn't seem to bother her a lot.
She has all the physical tools, but does she have what it takes on the inside?
The women's game today is up for grabs for anyone who will take it. It seems like it is not a matter of talent, but a matter of mental fortitude and belief. Of the top players, the ones who can conquer themselves are the ones who will win the slams and rise to No. 1.
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