Jelena Jankovic: I only miss Mladjan in San Diego

The top domestic tennis star on the women’s tour, Jelena Jankovic, is on a break in Belgrade after a gruelling season, having arrived in Belgrade to promote a leading Asian sports brand, Anta. Besides US basketball player Kevin Garnett, Jankovic endorses the brand whose designers often entertain her fashion ideas.

“What matters to me most is that the apparel in which I play is comfortable so that I can move around the court with ease. I also love fashion and it is important for me that the little dresses I play in are feminine and different from what my opponents are wearing. Anta’s designers understand my need to be elegant on court, and we often reach conclusions together regarding the design or colour of my apparel. Bright colours suit me out there on the court and I am confident many a girl will soon be making her first tennis steps wearing apparel marked with a JJ label after it hits the stores in Serbia where Anta do business,” Jelena Jankovic said for Blic.

What renowned prêt a porter designers inspire you and your collaboration with Anta with their models?
“John Galliano manages to transform a person who wears his models into something special. His items are pieces of art who are functionally available as regular clothes.”

Are any of your tennis opponents as fashion-conscious as you?
“It is a trend nowadays that all tennis players on the WTA tour show their attitude towards fashion on court, but also at receptions and social events they frequent. The girls have different tastes, but they all have their own established styles. Despite the increasing physical strain we are exposed to out there, we try to show our femininity and elegance. Sisters Serena and Venus Williams have a distinctive style which has become their trademark wherever they go. They enjoy designing their labels and through that they acquire even more fans who are not necessarily interested in the sport.”

Where do you plan to spend the forthcoming off-season break before you start preparing for the Grand Slam in Australia?
“Before the next season starts I want to detach myself a little from tennis and enjoy myself in a beautiful and warm place. I hope I move into my estate in San Diego soon. The only thing that is missing for me to feel like in heaven there is the presence of Mladjan. I will try to spend as much time as possible in the weeks to come as we are both top athletes, and our frequent commitments are preventing us from spending more time together,” said Jankovic.