A hectic WTA schedule is taking its toll on the leading players, says Serbian ace Jelena Jankovic.
The former world No 1, who has endured a catalogue of injury problems, says the length of the season, coupled with the extra demands of top-class tennis, is having an adverse affect on the health of players.
"It's very demanding and very tough to be playing from January to November," said the Serb ahead of today's draw for the opening round of the US$250,000 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park.
"We have a lot of matches and a lot of travelling every week going from country to country, continent to continent. It's not an easy lifestyle and, especially towards the end of the season, players are exhausted and it takes a toll on our bodies. There's a few more injuries and players are having a hard time coping."
Jankovic, who is enjoying a late-season surge in form including an impressive win at the Guangzhou Open two weeks ago, was named as one of several eleventh-hour replacements - alongside Sam Stosur, Francesca Schiavone and Angelique Kerber - late last week after organisers were forced to announce the withdrawal of several marquee names.
The 30-year-old has seen her world ranking slip to 24 during a stop-start season, but is confident her injury woes will not affect her making a run at the title next week, and she still harbours grand slam ambitions.
"I will try to finish the season the best I can and start the next season fresh and healthy," she said. "My goal is to win a grand slam. I still feel I can achieve a lot in the next few years, depending on how my body will cope."
The Serb's win in Guangzhou was her sole WTA title success this season and saw her join an illustrious group of players to complete 600 tour victories.
"I actually didn't realise I had that many wins," said Jankovic. "Imagine how many kilometres that is on my legs! But it's a great achievement and I'm proud of myself making that."
Fighting fit Jelena Jankovic still eyes grand slam, but first it's the Hong Kong Open | South China Morning Post
The former world No 1, who has endured a catalogue of injury problems, says the length of the season, coupled with the extra demands of top-class tennis, is having an adverse affect on the health of players.
"It's very demanding and very tough to be playing from January to November," said the Serb ahead of today's draw for the opening round of the US$250,000 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at Victoria Park.
"We have a lot of matches and a lot of travelling every week going from country to country, continent to continent. It's not an easy lifestyle and, especially towards the end of the season, players are exhausted and it takes a toll on our bodies. There's a few more injuries and players are having a hard time coping."
Jankovic, who is enjoying a late-season surge in form including an impressive win at the Guangzhou Open two weeks ago, was named as one of several eleventh-hour replacements - alongside Sam Stosur, Francesca Schiavone and Angelique Kerber - late last week after organisers were forced to announce the withdrawal of several marquee names.
The 30-year-old has seen her world ranking slip to 24 during a stop-start season, but is confident her injury woes will not affect her making a run at the title next week, and she still harbours grand slam ambitions.
"I will try to finish the season the best I can and start the next season fresh and healthy," she said. "My goal is to win a grand slam. I still feel I can achieve a lot in the next few years, depending on how my body will cope."
The Serb's win in Guangzhou was her sole WTA title success this season and saw her join an illustrious group of players to complete 600 tour victories.
"I actually didn't realise I had that many wins," said Jankovic. "Imagine how many kilometres that is on my legs! But it's a great achievement and I'm proud of myself making that."
Fighting fit Jelena Jankovic still eyes grand slam, but first it's the Hong Kong Open | South China Morning Post