World No 1-ranked Jelena Jankovic on Saturday pulled out of the team exhibition tournament in Hong Kong with illness, leaving the Serbian with little match practice before the Australian Open.
Jankovic was due to play China's Zheng Jie in a match between losing semifinalists Team Europe and Team Asia Pacific, but appeared on court in a green track suit to inform the crowd at Victoria Park Center Court she had withdrawn and apologise.
"I have been sick for the last couple of days. I feel very weak," Jankovic told the crowd, adding that she has seen a doctor and received medication.
Playing in Hong Kong as her only preparation for the Australian Open, Jankovic lost to Venus Williams 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday. She appeared sluggish, with her serves lacking pace and her ground strokes erratic.
Teaming up with Portugal's Michelle Larcher de Brito, she also lost a doubles match to Zheng and India's Sania Mirza 6-1, 6-1 on Friday.
After losing to Williams she said is typically a slow starter at the beginning of the season and is getting used to her stronger physique after a new fitness training program during the offseason. The Australian Open starts on January 19 in Melbourne.
{{/usCountry}}After losing to Williams she said is typically a slow starter at the beginning of the season and is getting used to her stronger physique after a new fitness training program during the offseason. The Australian Open starts on January 19 in Melbourne.
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