Wunderlich

It doesn't take much imagination to answer this question with a resounding Yes! Only 22 years of age, she has already reached the WTA ranking of no.3, and is officially number one in the women's singles race. How does she do it, especially since in her short seven year career as a Pro she has endured (and overcome) injuries to her ankle, right shoulder, lower back, and most recently, pain in her neck.

"When we go on court, it's like we're going on a war" -- Jelena Jankovic Like many young Serbian (and Croatian) tennis stars, Jelena grew up surrounded by a terrible war. JJ has said that she believes this is what gives them their 'fighting spirit'. Finding a place to practise was a real problem, not only during the war, when they had to practise very early before the bombings, but also in winter. Jelena recalls when she use to have to practise in her winter gloves, hat, and jacket, and this was indoors! Both her and her compatriot, Ana Ivanovic, practised in a drained Olympic sized swimming pool. It was carpeted, and because the wall was only 18 inches from the sidelines, cross-court play was nearly impossible, forcing the young players to play down the lines.

"I always give my best, and I fight until the end" -- Jelena Jankovic Jelena's hard work paid off when the great tennis coach, Nick Bollettiieri, recognized her talent and invited her to attend his boarding school tennis academy in Bradenton, Florida. The alumni of this prestigious tennis academy reads like the Who's Who in ATP and WTA tennis. But in early 2006, Jankovic nearly did give up after nine consecutive first round match defeats. She was already a part-time student at the Megatrend University in Belgrade, studying business administration and was considering dropping her WTA touring to study full-time. Thankfully for women's tennis, she changed her mind, but she still keeps an eye on her future and is still part-time student.

"It helps me to stay relaxed to smile on-court." -- Jelena Jankovic This ability to go out and really enjoy her game might be the key to her success. It was noticed by the world's media that she was laughing and giggling on her chair prior to her recent match against Venus Williams. Venus was somberly reading her match notes. Jelena's family, friends, and colleagues are very important to her, and this might also be a big advantage.

"No better way to finish a rainy day than with a big smile, watching Serbian comedy on TV." -- Jelena Jankovic It's hard to imagine how such fantastically determined, world-class athlete could be so, let's say, normal. Like many women her age, she loves the latest fashion in women's tennis clothes, her favorite brand being Reebok. That doesn't mean she is frivolous; She recently complained that the Italians were only concerned with her make-up and hair, but not about her backhand. During one of her recent matches in Rome, there were wolf-whistles when she bent down on-court to tie her shoes in her white tennis skirt. But really, who could blame them?

"I'm a girl...." -- Jelena Jankovic She's much more than a girl, and then again, she isn't. With her outgoing personality, and her ever cheerful attitude, she is a brilliant role model for young women everywhere. It is heartening that many such young WTA Stars are performing so well, but the 'Golden Girl', Jelena Jankovic, seems to be sparkling the shiniest.

Cheri Britton is the editor of http://www.womens-tennis-apparel.com reviewing and showcasing the latest styles in tennis dresses, tennis skirts, women's tennis bags, and shoes. Her site also has links to her blog, where she discusses what the WTA Stars are wearing, and how they're faring in the tournaments. She also watches more tennis than is good for her.