By Paul Virgo
ROME, May 18 (Reuters) - Serbia’s Jelena Jankovic said she feels ready to take retired Justine Henin’s French Open title and her world number one slot after winning the Italian Open for the second consecutive year on Sunday.
“She was my worst opponent last year on clay. She was the only one I couldn’t beat and she stopped me winning many tournaments on clay,” Jankovic told a news conference after beating France’s Alize Cornet 6-2 6-2 to claim her sixth career title.
“Now she’s not playing I have a bigger chance. I’m playing well at the moment. I think I have a big opportunity to do well at the French Open.
“My goal and my dream is to become the number one in the world and I think I’m on the right track. If I continue like this, I have a big chance.”
Jankovic’s past encounters with Henin included a defeat in the semi-final of the 2007 French Open.
The 23-year-old, who is world number four before Henin drops of the rankings on Monday, also expressed delight at completing a Serbian double in Italy after Novak Djokovic won the Rome Masters last week.
“It’s great for Serbian tennis. It’s a Serbian revolution,” she said. “I’m so happy we are doing well. The Serbian players are doing our best to represent our country in the best light.
“Whenever we go on court we try to be good role models and try to fight to win matches and also be very fair and professional.”
Cornet was also optimistic about her chances of doing well at the French Open after going from the qualifying rounds to reach her first big tournament final.
“I think for French people I’m the best player on clay right now,” the 18-year-old said.
“So, yes, I go to Paris with a big goal. I want to play good there because it’s a very special event for me. I think I have the (right) level to win some matches.” (Reporting by Paul Virgo, editing by Miles Evans)
