Jelena Jankovic gives birth to a baby girl

There’s a new member in the WTA mom’s club, which boasts top-tier members like Serena Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Ana Ivanovic, Kim Clijsters and Sania Mirza. According to Serbian media, Jelena Jankovic gave birth to a baby girl earlier this week.

The 36-year-old hasn’t played on the tour in nearly four years due to a back injury. Her last match was at the 2017 US Open, losing to eventual quarterfinalist Petra Kvitova in the opening round.

Last June, Jankovic took part in compatriot Novak Djokovic’s Adria Tour exhibition during the height of the pandemic, playing a mixed doubles match alongside Djokovic.

“I stopped because I had a big injury with my back. It took me quite some time to function in a normal way in general, just to live a normal life,” Jankovic told Tennis.com. “But now I feel good. I’m happy. I’m excited. We’ll see... In these times it’s difficult to plan things. But all I can say is that I’m healthy, and I’m happy to be out here.

Jankovic, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 1 in 2008, has won 15 career WTA singles titles including the 2010 Indian Wells silverware and a pair of Rome crowns. She reached the final of the 2008 US Open and multiple semifinal showings at the Australian Open (2008) and French Open (2007, ’08, ’10).

The Serbian hasn’t ruled out a return to the tour.

“You know, I never officially retired. So my door is open,” she said in 2020.