Athlete Spotlight: Jankovic

JELENA JANKOVIC

Current Ranking: 2

While she may already be an established player in the upper echelon of women's tennis, Jankovic is still one of the rising stars in today's game. A premier member oft the Serbian Surge in tennis, Jelena is known for her on-court smiles as well as her blistering backhand. An enjoyable personality on the tour, Jankovic is unique in her game. While Ana Ivanovic is a powerful hitter, Jankovic has a much more complete, steady style that allows her to maintain unparalled consistency. Also, her attitude is a major asset. Rarely do you ever see her negative, at least not for an extended period of time. And with the unfortunate retirement of Kim Clijsters, her frequent splits provide added style to her playing. Jankovic has been consistently in the top 10 for a few years now, but reached her career high ranking this year at number 2. Although Ivanovic captured the top spot at Roland Garros, Jankovic is not far behind and should soon gain the prize she deserves, number one in the world.

Athlete Spotlight: Cornet

ALIZE CORNET

Current Ranking: 20th

Age: 18

This young upstart from Nice, France has been one of the biggest success stories of the 2008 season. A French Open Juniors Champion in 2007, Alize has spared little time in he dramatic ascent up the WTA Rankings. Beggining the year ranked 56 in the world, Alize reached her first final in Acapulco which would be just a glipse of her glittering clay-court season. Following a first-round loss on the hardcourts of Miami, Cornet vaulted to the Amelia Island and Charleston semis, her first Tier II and Tier I Semis repectively. Her breakthrough was cemented at the prestigious event in Rome, which marked her first Tier I final. Though she lost to Jankovic, Alize clearly possesses the game and attitude that can bring her to the top of the game.

What truely separates this talented Frecnhwoman, however, is her positive and refreshing attitude towards the sport. She seems genuinly excited about her amazing accomplishments (which is a rareity in tennis). Additionally her bright and thoughtful methods of approaching her matches, interviews, and press venues is one of a kind. Because of her early results and preference for clay, some believe that her succes cannot extend to other surfaces. With her talent and problem-solving capabilities, however, Alize Cornet will be one ot look out for on any court, and is my favorite breakout star of the year.