Posted at 5:25 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2007
Jankovic knocks off Venus Williams in semifinals
Associated Press
Jelena Jankovic advanced to the final of the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, S.C., winning a marathon match yesterday against Venus Williams for her second straight win against the American coming back from a wrist injury.Jankovic, who won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5), also beat Williams last year at Wimbledon.
She now meets fourth-seeded Dinara Safina, who advanced when fellow Russian Vera Zvonareva, who had a wrist injury, withdrew from the other semifinal.
Jankovic and Williams contested every point for just over 2› hours. They were tied 5-5 when Williams hit a forehand long, putting Jankovic up by one.
On the next point, Jankovic sent a shot past Williams along the sideline. She started to celebrate, but Williams reacted as though it was out. The umpire checked the spot, determined it was in and Jankovic raised her arms in triumph.
"I'm just tired. I've had a long week and I did my best," said Williams, who had 13 double faults to only two for her opponent. "I'm just going home."
