When you think of the mid-2000s tennis boom, names like Serena, Venus, or Sharapova probably jump to mind first. But for anyone who spent their Saturday nights glued to a flickering TV screen watching the WTA tour, there was another name that brought more drama, flair, and splits—literally—than anyone else. Jelena Jankovic.
She wasn't just another player. Honestly, she was a whole vibe before "vibe" was even a thing. Known as the "Empress," Jankovic ruled the court with a mix of incredible backhands and some of the most hilarious, self-deprecating on-court chatter we’ve ever seen. She’d check her makeup in the changeover mirror or joke with the crowd while waiting for a rain delay. Basically, she made tennis feel human.
The World No. 1 Who Did It Her Way
There’s this weird sticking point people always bring up when they talk about Jelena Jankovic. They say, "Oh, she was a world number one without a Grand Slam."
Yeah, and?
In 2008, Jankovic was a literal wall. You couldn't get a ball past her. She ended that year at the top of the rankings, having won titles in Rome, Beijing, Stuttgart, and Moscow. She played 22 tournaments that season. That is an insane workload. She wasn't just "participating"; she was deep in the trenches, reaching the semifinals or better at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, and making that iconic final at the US Open.
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That US Open final against Serena Williams was basically a heavyweight boxing match. Serena eventually won $6-4, 7-5$, but if you watch the tape, Jankovic had set points in that second set. A couple of inches here or there, and the "no Slam" narrative would have vanished into the New York night.
Why the backhand down the line was legendary
If you ask any coach what made her dangerous, they’ll point to her backhand. Most players use the backhand to stay in the point. Jankovic used it as a sniper rifle. She could be sliding into a full split—something she did more than almost any other player on tour—and still rip a backhand down the line for a winner.
- Defensive transition: She turned defense into offense better than almost anyone.
- Footwork: Her movement on hard courts was basically ballet with sneakers on.
- The "Split": She made the sliding split a defensive staple long before it was common.
The Drama and the Joy of the Empress
Jelena was never a robot. You knew exactly what she was thinking. If she was tired, she said it. If she thought the ball was out, she’d have a full-blown conversation with the umpire that felt more like a comedy sketch than a protest.
She once asked a ball boy to go get her a coffee. Another time, she changed her underwear on the court (under a towel, relax) because she was uncomfortable. She was authentic in an era where many players were becoming increasingly guarded and corporate. That’s probably why fans still talk about her in 2026. She represented a time when the WTA was bursting with personality.
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But it wasn't all jokes. People forget she won the Wimbledon mixed doubles title in 2007 with Jamie Murray. Their chemistry was so good the British tabloids spent weeks trying to figure out if they were dating. (They weren't, but the "will-they-won't-they" energy was great for the ratings).
Dealing with the "What Ifs"
Injuries eventually caught up to her. It’s the classic story for "grinders" who rely on movement. By 2017, her back was giving her serious trouble. She spent months barely able to stand, let alone compete with the new generation of power hitters.
She didn't have a grand, televised retirement ceremony at first. She sort of faded away into "hiatus" mode around 2018 before making it official later. It was a quiet exit for a player who lived such a loud, colorful career.
Jelena Jankovic and Her Legacy in 2026
So, why does Jelena Jankovic still matter?
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Because she proved you can be a world-class athlete without losing your sense of humor. In today's game, where every point is analyzed by data and every press conference is scripted, her "Empress" persona is sorely missed. She showed that consistency, fitness, and a killer backhand can take a girl from Belgrade to the very top of the world.
She finished her career with 15 WTA singles titles and over $19 million in prize money. More importantly, she left us with a highlight reel of points—and quotes—that still circulate on social media whenever someone needs a reminder of what "fun" tennis looks like.
What you can learn from the Empress
If you're a tennis fan or an aspiring player, don't just look at the Grand Slam tally. Look at the 2008 season.
- Consistency is King (or Queen): You don't get to No. 1 by accident. It takes showing up every single week.
- Use Your Strengths: She wasn't the biggest server, but she was the best mover. She played to her identity.
- Don't Hide Your Personality: People connect with humans, not trophies.
If you want to really appreciate her game, go find the highlights of her 2008 Rome final or her 2010 Indian Wells run. You'll see a player who refused to let a single ball go by without a fight. That’s the real Jelena Jankovic.
To stay updated on what other legends from that era are doing now, you can follow the official WTA "Where Are They Now" series or check out the latest tennis archives on the International Tennis Hall of Fame website. Keeping the history of these players alive helps ensure the sport doesn't lose its soul to the data-driven future.