By Erik Gudris | Tuesday, May 27, 2014

 

Serbia's Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic find themselves being talked about more as possible French Open title contenders after their opening wins in Paris.

Photo Credit: AP

When one door closes another one opens so they say. That could be the case for two Serbian superstars as they look ahead to their chances at this year's French Open.

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Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, though each in very different fashion, both posted opening round wins on Tuesday.

A former French Open champion in 2008, Ivanovic found herself taking on rising French talent Caroline Garcia in her first match. Though Garcia has posted good results over the last few months, it was Ivanovic's experience that shined.

Taking control early, Ivanovic never let Garcia enjoy any sort of momentum. Soon enough, Ivanovic wrapped up a 6-1, 6-3 win.

"I did expect very tough match. Especially she's been playing really well on clay, and it's a first time we played it against each other, and I didn't know much coming into the match," Ivanovic said. "But I really stick with the tactic that I talk about with my coach. I started off really well and aggressive, and I sort of felt I was on top of her for the rest of the match."

No. 6 seed Jankovic resumed her match against Canada's Sharon Fichman that was suspended Monday due to darkness.

Having lost the opening set, Jankovic recovered to claim the second. Both women were knotted at 3-all in the final set before Jankovic began making Fichman hit more errors.

That allowed Jankovic to break serve and eventually go on to win 5-7, 6-1, 6-3.

"Today and yesterday as well it was very tough. She was hitting the ball so hard and did not make many mistakes," Jankovic said. "I was able to somehow manage to get through."

With No. 2 seed Li Na exiting Tuesday after a surprise opening round loss, that creates an opportunity for both Ivanovic and Jankovic who are in Li's side of the draw. That's especially true for Jankovic who was projected to face Li in the quarterfinals.

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As now both Ivanovic and Jankovic could possibly meet in the semifinals, it brought back memories of their final four meeting in 2008 in Paris that Ivanovic won.

"Maybe we could do it again. That would be cool," Jankovic said. "2008 was a good year for both of us. I finished number one in the world. She won the French Open. So that was really good for both of us. Hopefully we can do it again this year and go far. That would be really awesome."