Incoming world number one Jelena Jankovic on Saturday admitted she was in doubt for the Beijing Olympics after picking up a calf strain. Jankovic, who will reach the top ranking on Monday despite an injury-hit season, appeared at a press conference with her right leg strapped and said she wouldn't risk aggravating the problem. "I'll practise today and I'll see tomorrow how everything goes," she said.
"If I can't play, if I'm not going to be able to give my best on the court, I will not go. It's not a risk I will take." The 23-year-old said she damaged her calf by over-compensating while recovering from a serious left knee problem, and was forced to skip training on Friday. Jankovic, who is set to replace fellow Serb Ana Ivanovic as world number one, is due to play Zimbabwe's Cara Black in the first round on Sunday.
She said ascending the rankings was a "miracle" after suffering arm and shoulder problems as well as the knee cartilage injury which she feared would keep her out for two months. "It was my childhood dream to become number one in the world. For me that's an amazing achievement despite having such a tough year with injury," Jankovic said.
"It's really a miracle to be here and I'm proud of that. I just hope to continue to work hard and get extra motivation to keep this ranking and bring my game to the next level." Jankovic also dismissed any notions of rivalry with Ivanovic and said she wouldn't feel under pressure to remain the top women's player.
"It's kind of a relief to be honest. I can always say I was number one in the world and nobody can take that away from me," she said. "With Ana I'm really proud Serbia has three top players in the world (including Novak Djokovic).
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