Jelena Jankovic targets top 10

Jelena Jankovic has set her sights on returning to the top 10 in the world rankings in 2017.

Neck and shoulder injuries have meant the Serb has endured another inconsistent year, failing to make it past the second round in any of the Grand Slams and, as a result, she has dropped to 55th in the global standings.

Jankovic topped the rankings in 2008 but has been unable to produce the same kind of form on a regular basis in recent seasons.

However, the rise of Angelique Kerber has been a source of inspiration for her rivals, with the German going from a player who previously regularly fell short to a two-time Grand Slam winner, and in the process surpassing Serena Williams as the world’s best player.

With the women’s season all but over, Jankovic is now planning for next term and will be targeting a fast start ahead of January’s Australian Open.

The 31-year-old is hoping for much better next year and says Kerber’s recent rise, combined with Dominka Cibulkova’s win at the WTA Finals, has helped her believe she can produce a similar run of results.

“I will have no points to defend in 2017, so making my way to the top is going to be easier,” Jankovic told Gulf News. “Look at how things have gone this year.

We have a new world number one and a new year-end champion in Singapore. “That’s the beauty of our sport. If I play well and consistent, then I don’t see any reason why I cannot be back in the top 10 of women’s tennis.”

Meanwhile, Kerber is 6.00 to win the 2017 Australian Open.