Jankovic Keeps Busy During Off-SeasonMIAMI, FL, USA - Her on-court success and meteoric rise up the rankings were hard to miss, but at times her off-court endeavors went less noticed. Jelena Jankovic was kept very busy throughout 2007 and during December's off-season she continued to make appearances, most notably at the NAJJ Srbije exhibition and in becoming Serbian Female Tennis Player of the Year.
After finishing her season in mid-November with her first ever appearance at the Sony Ericsson Championships, it didn't take Jankovic long to get back on the road. On December 7 she participated in a charity exhibition event at the Belgrade Arena, which featured fellow Serbian tennis players Novak Djokovic, Ana Ivanovic and Janko Tipsarevic, the proceeds from which went predominantly to helping underprivileged children in the country.
"Raising money for poor and sick kids is such a great cause," said Jankovic in her blog from the season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid. "When I'm doing these humanitarian events, it's just a great feeling, no matter what."
Two days after the exhibition, Jankovic went to London to present the Young BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award. She presented it alongside fellow tennis star Jamie Murray, with whom she won her first Grand Slam title - in mixed doubles - at Wimbledon. The popular tennis pair gave out the award in front of a national television audience of 10 million.
Jankovic herself was also the recipient of some impressive recognitions, such as being voted Serbian Female Tennis Player of the Year (a commendable feat, considering Ivanovic had also put together a stellar 2007 season and finished the year one spot below her on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Singles Rankings) and being named Ambassador of the AdEaters, which honored her contributions in 2007 both on and off the court. Other upcoming endeavors for the 22-year-old are a small role in an Emir Kusturica movie, continuing work as an Ambassador for UNICEF in Serbia (which she began in the fall) and the relaunch of her official website, which should take place before the 2008 season begins.
In Madrid, Jankovic was also presented with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ACES Award, which is given to a player who consistently goes above and beyond to promote women's tennis in the media, community and beyond.
"Jelena has been one of the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's marquee breakout stars in 2007," said Larry Scott, Chariman & CEO of the Tour. "She has participated in many activities this year away from the courts. Whether it was media interviews, fan-friendly endeavors, sponsor functions or pro-am clinics, she has given of herself selflessly, been a true ambassador in promoting our sport and deserves that recognition amongst her peers."
Jankovic is currently preparing for the 2008 season in Miami. She will begin with the Hopman Cup in Perth in January, teaming up with Djokovic to represent Serbia (both are ranked No.3 on their respective tours).
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