Jelena Jankovic, met the press ahead of her first round matches at the International-level tournament - here's a taste of what she said...
On her season so far...
"It has been an interesting year. It's the first time in about four or five years I've been out of the Top 10 - I was there consistently for a long time. I can't say I've been 100%, because as an athlete you always have some pains here and there, but I've had no major injuries. I can't complain about my year. I don't take anything for granted and I'm trying to look at the positives. I'm going to try my best in these last two tournaments then take a vacation, and then I'll start my off-season in the hopes of coming back to the top again next year."
On her trademark smile...
"I'm one of the few players who smiles on the court even when I make terrible shots. I do laugh at myself for what I've done out there! Of course anyone can smile when they play a good point, there's nothing wrong with that, but for me it can happen anytime. It helps me release the pressure. I feel better doing that than having my face down and feeling negative. It's always better - not just in tennis, but in life - to be positive. My personality is pretty bright and I'm never down for too long. I have my times, I'm human, but it doesn't last long."
On playing the Generali Ladies Linz...
"I haven't been here in a long time, maybe five or six years ago. It's so nice to be back. But I don't change my goals depending on which tournament I'm playing - I always try my best, no matter where I play and no matter where in the world I am. I never underestimate any of my opponents. My goal is always to win - sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn't, but the goal is the same."
On her first round opponent, Kateryna Bondarenko...
"I've played her many times but I think it has been a long time since we last played. I think I've never lost to her, but I'm not sure because I've played so many matches in my career! I'm not so good with the statistics... my coach is the one who keeps track of that. But every first match for me is the toughest because you have to feel the court and the atmosphere, adjust to the balls, and of course this is the first indoor tournament for me. So I really have to adjust. But I will just go out there, have fun and try to play my best tennis."
http://www.wtatennis.com/page/OffCourtNews/Read/0,,12781~2478008,00.html 
