Serena Topples Jankovic in First Step Toward Olympic Gold
Serena Williams of the U.S. defeated fellow former number one-ranked Jelena Jankovic in her first match of the 2012 Olympic Tennis Event, 6-3, 6-1. Serena, the number four seed, offset 11 unforced errors with 20 winners during the 61-minute rout, serving particularly well, hitting eight aces in the match.
"I was a little nervous in the first set, but once I got relaxed I played a little better," said Serena. "I actually think I played solid today. I felt the ball well. I missed a few shots, but at least I was going forward."
Serena, who has now won 29 of her last 30 matches, had a very special guest in the player’s box: the United States of America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama.
"They asked me if I minded if she sat in my box, and I was like, ‘Of course not. Please. It would be my honor,’" Williams said. "I mean, I love Michelle. She’s so cool. I’ve met her several, several times. Seeing her there made me feel better and made me want to play better. After the match I gave her a thumbs up, just to acknowledge I knew she was there – obviously it’s impossible not to see her. I also loved her dress. She’s always looking good."
Also in Serena’s box was a former Olympian, gymnast Dominique Dawes.
"It’s pretty cool being an Olympian," said Serena. "Being a tennis player is my dream, but being an Olympian is really something I never dreamed of. You see people like Michael Johnson and Dominique Dawes who do so great at the Olympics, and tennis isn’t the premier Olympic sport, so it’s cool to be a part of such great athletes."
