Jankovic to return to the court Friday in Belgrade

Live tennis is making its return in the Serbia this weekend, and so is one of the nation's greatest champions. Jelena Jankovic will feature in Friday's exhibition match along with Novak Djokovic, Nenad Zimonjic and teenager Olga Danilovic.

The mixed doubles match will be part of opening day for the month-long Adria Tour, which kicks off Saturday in Belgrade. Jankovic will team with her longtime friend Djokovic against Danilovic and Zimonjic.

Jankovic, a 2008 US Open finalist and former world No. 1, hasn't competed in years, but also hasn't retired. The 35-year-old was forced off the tour with a back injury in 2017, followed by eye surgery in 2018.

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In a video directed to Djokovic, Jankovic said, "soon I’m heading for Belgrade and I can’t wait for June 12 when we will unite at the Adria Tour exhibition. Thank you so much for the inviting me to be part of this spectacle."

Her match on Friday will be her first on-court appearance since the 2017 US Open. Does this spell a comeback for the Serbia? It's unclear, but at least fans will get a chance to see her play once more.

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