Cincinnati Open 2009: Jelena Jankovic clinches title

Finally, Jelena Jankovic has something to smile about.

The Serbian former world number one clinched the Cincinnati Open title on Sunday after beating top-ranked Russian Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-2. This places Jankovic among the leading contenders for the U.S. Open title. The hardcourt Grand Slam tournament begins later this month.

“My smile is back and I’m having fun playing the matches. This is what I missed. I missed this for maybe seven months this year,” Jankovic was quoted as saying.

The $2 million Premier tournament had a very tough field which included the Williams sisters, Elena Dementieva and comebacking Belgian Kim Clijsters, who made it to the quarterfinals.

The Cincinnati Open title is Jankovic’s second title of the year and guaranteed her return to the world’s top five. In next week’s rankings, she’ll be up two spots to number four.

“I’m happy that I’m back,” the Serb said.

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