Jelena Janković earned the world No. 1 ranking in women’s tennis for 18 weeks, becoming the first player in WTA history to achieve the year-end top position without winning a Grand Slam singles title. Born in 1985 in Belgrade, Serbia, she transitioned from a promising junior career into a decade of professional competition representing her country globally.
Early Development and Junior Success
Born to economists Veselin and Snežana, Janković grew up in Belgrade. Her introduction to tennis occurred at age nine and a half through her brother Marko, who later served as her fitness coach. Her junior career culminated in a 2001 Australian Open victory, reaching the world No. 1 junior ranking that same year.
Professional Breakthrough
Janković joined the WTA Tour in 2001, making her debut at the Indian Wells Open. By October 2003, she entered the top 100 after securing her first ITF title in Dubai. In 2004, she achieved her first top-10 victory against Elena Dementieva at the Australian Open and won her first WTA title in Budapest, finishing the season ranked 28th.
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Following a challenging start in 2006, Janković reached the semifinals of the US Open and the China Open. She entered the top 10 in 2007, winning the ASB Classic and Tier I titles in Charleston and Rome. In 2008, she secured the year-end No. 1 ranking, maintaining the top spot for 17 consecutive weeks before Serena Williams overtook her in February 2009.
Grand Slam and Olympic Representation
In 2007, she became the first female Serbian player to win a Grand Slam event by claiming the Wimbledon mixed-doubles title alongside Jamie Murray. Her best major singles performance was a runner-up finish at the 2008 US Open. Throughout her career, she competed in four Olympic Games: 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016. She has also represented Serbia in the Billie Jean King Cup, as well as the former Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro Fed Cup teams.
Education and Advocacy
While maintaining her professional tennis commitments, Janković enrolled at Megatrend University in Belgrade to study economics. She also took on philanthropic duties, being appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2007.
Fast facts
- Born: 1985, Belgrade
- Highest Ranking: World No. 1
- WTA Singles Titles: 15
- Wimbledon Mixed-Doubles Champion: 2007
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador: Appointed 2007
- Olympic Appearances: 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016
- Education: Megatrend University
Questions readers ask
Did Jelena Janković win a Grand Slam singles title?
No. She reached the final of the 2008 US Open but did not win a Grand Slam singles title.
Which major doubles title did she win?
She won the 2007 Wimbledon mixed-doubles title with Jamie Murray.
Achievements
- Competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics
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