Serena Williams (Singapore Slammers) vs Jelena Jankovic (Japan Warriors)
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When two former top-ranked players take each other on, it is bound to be a good match. Serena Williams, who this year won her 22nd Grand Slam title, has a 14-match rivalry with former US Open finalist Jankovic, who is one of the few players to have been World No. 1 without ever having won a Grand Slam.
It has been two years since the two last faced off – at the Cincinnati Masters, with Williams taking a convincing 6-1 6-3 win.
Currently in the throes of a poor season, Jankovic had a season best finals finish at the Guangzhou Open, losing to Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko in three sets. The talented Serbian will no doubt want to prove herself on the back of a slow season, and will have a powerful rival on the other end of the net. World No. 2 Serena Williams may have lost the top ranking this year, but won two Grand Slam titles – including Wimbledon, one that tied her for the Open Era record of most grand slam titles.
In fine form despite having struggled with a few injury niggles – particularly her shoulder, Williams proved beyond a doubt that she is perhaps the greatest player in tennis history, and could well win more titles in the coming season.
After having taken a break following her semi-final exit at the US Open, the IPTL will be a good opportunity for Williams to return to competition, but not with the rigors of the WTA Tour – and a former No. 1 would be the perfect rival for the iconic American.
The two were finalists at the US Open of 2008, with Williams winning her third title at that venue.
