Jankovic secures end-of-year top spot

Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic, who has yet to win a Grand Slam title, will finish the 2008 season as the world number one, the WTA announced on Saturday.

Currently holding 4,555 points in the rankings, 23-year-old Jankovic has a commanding lead over Dinara Safina (3,782) and Serena Williams (3,716). Jankovic secured the year-end number one ranking by winning 12-straight matches en route to three consecutive titles - the China Open in Beijing, the Grand Prix in Stuttgart and the Kremlin Cup in Moscow.

As a result, Jankovic increased her 2008 singles title count to four, having also won the Tier I event in Rome one the eve of the French Open. “Winning four WTA Tour titles, over 60 matches and to make it to two semi-finals and a final in the Grand Slams of 2008 is a dream come true.

“I worked really hard this year and to finish No.1 is where I want to be and where I hope to stay.” In addition to her four 2008 singles titles, Jankovic reached the finals in Miami and the 2008 US Open, her first career Grand Slam final. In addition, she advanced to the semi-finals at two Grand Slams, falling to eventual champion Maria Sharapova at the Australian Open and eventual champion Ana Ivanovic at Roland Garros.

Jankovic was one of five players to hold the World No.1 ranking this year along with Justine Henin (20 weeks), who retired on May 14 and immediately took her name off the rankings, Ana Ivanovic (12 weeks), Maria Sharapova (three weeks) and Serena Williams (four weeks).

ST PETERSBURG, Florida, Sunday, AFP