Jelena Jankovic progressed to the second round of the inaugural Andalucia Tennis Experience on Tuesday, defeating Italy’s Francesca Schiavone in two sets (6-2, 6-1). Jankovic officially snaps her two consecutive second round defeats (after enjoying first round byes) at the premier hardcourt events in Indian Wells, California and Key Biscayne, Miami.
The world number four was visibly happy with the results, stating that she played well despite the challenging winds. Her second round opponent will be Tunisian player Selima Sfar, who progressed after defeating Estrella Cabeza Candela of Spain (6-3 7-6).
The biggest story of the tournament was the ouster of top-seed American Serena Williams.
Williams, fresh from her runner-up finish at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, was simply not at her best today as she was bounced out by Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic in three sets (6-4, 3-6, 6-1). This opened a window of opportunity for Jankovic to clinch her first title of 2009.
Three players have officially made their way to the singles quarterfinals: fourth seed Anabel Medina Garrigues defeated Virginia Ruano Pascual (6-2,6-3), seventh seed Sorana Cirstea powered past Andreja Klepac and Roberta Vinci ousted former top 10 player Nicole Vaidisova (6-3, 6-3).
