Home » Sports News » Novak Djokovic pulls Jelena Jankovic out from retirement for mixed doubles match

Novak Djokovic and Jelena Jankovic will pair up for a mixed doubles match which will be held in Belgrade soon

Novak Djokovic has pulled countrymate, Jelena Jankovic, out of from retirement for a mixed doubles match in the upcoming Adria Tour.

A former World No.1 and 2008 US Open runner-up Jankovic last played in September 2017. The following month she underwent back surgery, missing the entire 2018 and 2019 seasons. She also did an eye surgery in May 2018, further delaying any comeback plans.

Serbian tennis stars Jelena Jankovic and Novak Djokovic during a mixed doubles match back in 2008.
Serbian tennis stars Jelena Jankovic and Novak Djokovic during a mixed-doubles match back in 2008. (Getty Images)

Now with the Adria Tour organised by Djokovic set to kick start on June 12 in the Serbian capital of Belgrade, Djokovic has managed to yank Jankovic out of her retirement after three years of no action.

“I want to announce with great satisfaction the arrival of Jelena Jankovic, who thus returns to tennis after a long time. I am glad to see her on the Adria Tour and to be able to be part of the tournament together, ” said tournament organiser Djokovic.

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic poses for photographers after a press conference on the upcoming Adria Tour tennis tournament. (Getty Images)
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic poses for photographers after a press conference on the upcoming Adria Tour tennis tournament. (Getty Images)

“I went out on the track the last time in September 2017. See you soon!”, the 35-year-old Jankovic said in a statement released by the tournament.

The Adria Tour conducted for the benefit of various humanitarian organisations will begin on June 12th in Belgrade and will cover various Balkan countries until July 5.

Jankovic feels the Adria Tour is a brilliant idea

Jankovic, who is making a comeback into the circuit after three years of no play commented that the upcoming Adria Tour was a brilliant idea by Novak Djokovic.

Adria Tour organiser and World No.1 Novak Djokovic during a conversation with the media recently. (Getty Images)

She also added that she hoped the doubles match would be a spectacle. Jankovic, who will pair up with Djokovic will face Olga Danilovic and Nenad Zimonjic.

The other big names in the Adria Tour include World No.3 Dominic Thiem, ‘Next Gen’ star Alexander Zverev, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, and Croatian Borna Coric among many others.

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